No Chance For Safety Poem by Charles Chaim Wax

I ambled into
the Teacher’s Center
sat next to Max Door
who immediately said,
“The Bird Flu’s coming
no escape
death toll:
150 million
at a minimum.”
Oliver Murtha sneezed.
“God bless you, ” said Henry F.
“Again with that word! ” said Murtha,
“how many times
I gotta tell you
the Almighty
done a bad job creating
humans
shoulda just assembled
the earth
and all the glories
of the earth.”
Henry F said, “Couldn’t be helped
being I was brought up polite
respectful
when a sneeze occurs
but meant no offense
none
none at all
now that I remember
your feelings about the Almighty
not that I’m gonna try
to set you straight on that matter
I’ve tried
yes
my duty
cause a man’s soul is
nothing to trifle with.
‘The fires of hell
burn exceedingly hot, ’
they do
no question
but, well, you got your views
and so I honor them
entirely.”
Max Door smiled
saying,
“Bird flu’s coming
Hell on earth
for sure.”
Henry F closed
his eyes
intoning
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall not..”
“150 million
dead
more
if the mutations
go on and on
thus no vaccine
possible.”
As Henry F still intoned
his beloved prayer
Oliver Murtha sneezed.
“STARTS WITH A SNEEZE! ”
said Max Door
eyes opening wide
then still wider.