Allow Me

 

Let me introduce myself

I’m the one who’s on the other side

Of the story

No longer can I qualify the

Hero set on a horse

Questing for a sword with which

To win a realm of

Sparkling towers and one to be rescued

Inside

Who might instead

Rescue me

(I’m not that good at feints and lunges)

 

Maybe I could serve as a

Wizard (fine word from Arabic,

because the calling is exotic—would an Arab

ever find me exotic?)

I know little of enchantments

But when it comes to mistakes to

Learn someone against,

Yes, I’m there

It could be fun to mentor someone who could be

A monarch

Or a tailor or a teacher

Or a plumber or any child to

Grow up someday

 

I imagine, too,

It will break my heart

As all good teachers feel

With a loss

Or a win

 

C L Couch