The Test Cape
I've landed on a way to try you out
and gauge your mettle. Please put on this cape.
It's velvet, and it's in terrific shape.
I'd like you now to venture out without
your other clothes. The cape will have to do.
Go down to Omar's Maxi Milk and buy
a pack of Belmont Milds, and would you try
to see if they have raisin bread? Milk too.
When you reach across to get the change,
contrive a little conversation. Muse
about the way the Raiders always lose.
Say thank you. Take your time and rearrange
your stuff inside the bag. And please try not
to lose your cool. Just summon up the force
to pull it off. You are aware, of course,
it's August and it’s criminally hot,
and Omar has that huge electric fan
he borrowed from the film set just last week.
If you are not arrested as a freak,
I’ll know you are no ordinary man.
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
Its great to see you were about to adapt this story of Justine's to your excellent poetry. As I recall Justine and Lynn used to use this method for testing the suitabilityof suiters using part of their friend Rosebud's costumes. At least that's how I remember it.
Hugh
I know--it's such a great story, and I'm actually thinking to dedicate the poem to her after the title...