Hot Water

The only place I feel safe these days

is in the shower.

But unlike James Parker,

the bracing, wakening surprise of icy water

has no appeal for me.

I like it hot, need it hot

hot as Hades

to give the little bastards a taste of hell,

any, that is, that might be clinging to me,

intending to feast and breed,

that they will flee and tell their compatriots,

Leave that son of a devil bitch alone,

and leave his friends and loved ones alone!

Don't go near them, hear??

                                  

                                                                                                                     m.d. paust