Masked Man Poem by Robert Charles Howard
Masked Man
A solitary figure
stealthily scales the creaky steps
on a frigid moonlit night -
dogs whining in unison
with the gusty whistling winds.
The man in a mask approaches the bed
with measured pace and
remorselessly steals between the sheets
coarsely snapping the switch.
Don't be alarmed dear reader, relax
it’s just me and my trusty new CPAP
puffing air through my faulty tubes.
I speak to you fresh
from my recent excursion
to the world of the 'Medico Borgs' -
wires sprouting wildly out of my head
like a fibre lamp missing its colors.
Kristy held court at mission control
scanning the screens and graphs
like a savvy hawk peering over a field
assessing the speed of a squirrel.
But Kristy wasn’t looking for supper
just to answer the question du jour,
“Does he or doesn’t he? ”
Does he or doesn’t he what? you ask
Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, that's what.
Kristy studied the charts and declared,
'Yes he certainly does! '
I’d had a scare or two in my time -
dozing to the shoulder in my ivory Dodge
and I remember Brenda all too well
who was shocked awake in her car one night
by an unforgiving tree.
She bravely fought for over a year.
I sang in the choir at her funeral.
BESIDES:
I don't like having my energy tank
filled to a meager half full.
and I don't care much for falling asleep
on a friend’s hospitality
CPAP could be seen as a pain in the...
but beats far more grievous procedures
like battling a stroke or diabetes
or months on a psychiatrist’s couch
trying to atone a stranger’s light snuffed
In a wreck I never saw coming.
So I ask not, on whom the mask fits.
It fits well enough on me.
So if you think the mask might fit on YOU
Don’t hesitate friend, just do it!
Visit the land of the “Medico Borgs.”
Resistance is totally futile!
January, 2008
Studies have determined that 10% of adults have Sleep Apnea
or other significant sleep disorders which can make driving hazardous
and can lead to many other serious ailments. Sleep Centers located at
hospitals and clinics can test for and treat a large variety of sleep disorders.
What a lively and light-hearted account of what for many is anticipated as a terrifying experience. I know my Jerry has been referred to a 'sleep therapist', but thus far hasn't got round to making an appointment. Perhaps this poem will inspire him to check it out. I know it must be rather awkward sleeping like the Phantom, but the result sounds soooooo worth it. Thanks for sharing this one - and so engagingly too. love, Allie ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
5/1/2024 5:57:18 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Very delightful to read despite its tragic element and serious message. There is much I could say, but I only want to comment about these first lines. solitary figure stealthily scales the creaky steps on a frigid moonlit night - dogs whining in unison with the gusty whistling winds. The man in a mask approaches the bed with measured pace and remorselessly steals between the sheets coarsely snapping the switch. Every line has at least one word, and many have several, which calls for attention and evokes a strong image appealing to the senses, all of which become involved.