Joker Poem by Denis Martindale

The cards were stacked against the child - they beat him every time.
His innocence was then defiled - his life not worth a dime!

Thus normal life was not to be - his future fate was set.
So hatred was his destiny - each laugh filled with regret!

Beneath the make-up on his face, behind his staring eyes,
Beyond all measures of God's grace, behold the soul that dies!

For there, within a madman's mind, there lurked a deadly force.
All mercies gone, none left to find - now crime must take its course!

Revenge replacing self-defence - he danced with gun in hand.
No longer sharing common sense - with sudden crimes unplanned!

Thus chaos was his middle name - loose cannon day-by-day.
And every time the dark night came, he sought to have his way!

He stares as each new victim bleeds - he knows their strength must wane.
He thrives upon his evil deeds - he scoffs at those in pain!

He seeks survival while he can - he risks no matter what.
He hates to help his fellow man - he kills upon the spot!

Some were persuaded he was cool - he even stole some hearts.
Some were convinced he played the fool - he threw them off their guards!

But once the killer was unleashed, there was no turning back.
That's why he then embraced the beast each time he could attack!

As if in Hell he wore a crown on green hair he would comb.
And down the slide, he tumbled down - like Hell was now his home!

The Joker was his title now - he thought the world was his.
To do what others disallow - to hate with every kiss!

Hold nothing back! Just seize the day! React as if a whim!
I ask all those who think that way, why go to Hell like him! ?


Denis Martindale. August 2020.