Alas, Alack Poem by Laurence Overmire

The poet had such a sad face
Because he took himself so seriously

If only he'd been able to laugh
He might have lived a while longer

Seen things others have never dreamed
Touched places fingers cannot reach

But no, he listened to harping hangers-on
Stiff-necked bailiwicks to prop up the dead

Devil-jesters with pitchfork tongues
Who must believe in jack-box antics

Foolish jabberwock of self-inflicted ego
An ending much too tragic to tolerate levity.

~ Laurence Overmire

(Previously published in Megaera, Vol.4, Fall 2000)