ticket
to Lethe
my ticket says Lethe
I show it to the boatman
he nods throws clear the line
pushes the pole into dark water
the bark moves silently toward the far
shore
will this take long no answer
the boatman seems sullen and I’m
uncomfortable
how will I know which road to take
again no answer I suppose there are signs
then louder I’m a little worried
you know about losing my memory
I don’t think that’s a good thing
the trouble is I don’t know what to
expect
I’ve heard it’s always overcast and
warm
no wind not even a breeze
that seems a little strange
and no sound not even voices
but what’s it really like to lose
myself
he lifts the pole turns
memory is overrated he says
cruel and dangerous you’re better off without it
besides your ticket says Lethe so relax
this could turn out to be the trip of a
lifetime
Richard Lawson