Now that Basil
                is half out
                of his body he's closer
                to space
                and from there
                can hear
                all the music
                of the living
                especially
                the thumpity-thump
                music
                of IV bags,
                the moaning
                and humming
                of the near dead.
                He can barely
                hear us talk
                but slowly wags
                his head
                and whistles
                big band tunes
                mixed with rattle.
                He lifts a palm
                to his head
                and asks if he'll
                need the head
                where he's going.
                He says not to
                burn it, please.
                Stuff it and put it
                on the mantle.
                Put a good wig on it,
                a Havana in the mouth
                and a martini glass
                near. Invite a few
                woman over, put on
                Glenn Miller and say,
                that's me.

                                

Copyright © Kevin Dobbs, 2003.  All Rights Reserved.