In the Crowd
By John Grey
You can’t be invisible
but at least melt in with the crowd
behind the yellow tape.
Don’t say anything.
And no coughing.
No scratching either,
especially in the groin region
where your fur’s not totally receded.
When the body’s retrieved
from the alley,
beneath a sheet on a stretcher,
gasp along with the others.
But, whatever you do,
don’t act triumphant,
don’t beam with delight.
Then, when the ambulance doors
close on the victim,
retreat with the onlookers.
Mimic their fear
as they slip back warily
into their tenements.
You can do it
though you’ve nothing
to be afraid of.
And when someone says aloud,
“Must be the full moon,”
nod your head in agreement.
But not, whatever you do,
in appreciation.
