Charon

by Miriam Stanley

Christopher Walken 
Or Tom Waits — either one.

The ferryman of the River Styx;
Either one's carved jaw—
Prominent brow.

Sunken eyes, scythe-like—
Frame mounting the deck,
Pulling the pole, pressing
Its "end" against a
Bed of river, the push-off;
Down to Dante’s destination.

Yes, Christopher Walken—
Singing a tune. Dancing at the
Bow like Gene Kelly
Singing in the Rain, with his
Black umbrella, that sharp point,
Stabbing the puddle.

Or Tom Waits, crooning 
Jersey Girl, as if the Garden
State is now the Underworld—
Which some people claim
It is! — Darker than 
Tony Soprano’s mood 
On the last episode.

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Miriam Stanley has six collections of poetry published by Rogue Scholars Press. She is also included in numerous anthologies. Miriam's work is published in the United States, Israel, and Nepal.