by Jacob Lister
Wilshire Pig and Sheldon Snail encounter
ghouls in mad Dr. Frankenswine's castle.
Wilshire Pig is alcoholic, drinking
to escape, from the job, the home, and most
especially, the past, but never to where
it would harm others.
Sheldon Snail is careless, sometimes, often
brash in effect, but often manages
to get things done, although some disapprove
of the end results.
Frankenswine is learnèd, graduated
from Princeton, but unable to achieve
glory in medicine, or perhaps law,
became a recluse.
The castle is grand, with fine masonry,
bartisans, gargoyles, secret passages
that lead to hidden truths.
Wilshire Pig and Sheldon Snail encounter
ghouls in mad Dr. Frankenswine's castle.
The three are afraid, mortified of
what might be,
what is,
what has been.
Separate they struggle, all losing their way
in the dark corridors, fighting with shades,
overcome by fear itself.
Together they triumph, helping each other,
carrying torches, and as shieldbearers,
unafraid of others' terrors.
Wilshire Pig and Sheldon Snail encounter
ghouls in mad Dr. Frankenswine's castle.
Together they prevail.