7 of 30

Works in a pinch

If Great-Aunt Maria was right, how utterly

defeated is Satan in this world! Rebuked

by hands in the shape of a fig

or cuckold's horns and held at bay

from our sinuses by airy benedictions.

He must be up to his stiff neck in pinches

of salt: the Beast, dry-rubbed,

mocked alike by St. George and the Morton

Umbrella Girl. Poor Old Scratch, the Washington

Generals of evil, hamstrung by illogical whispers.

No pleasure left for him, except maybe to watch

a child walk careless down the sidewalk,

breaking backs with every step.