The Book Of Nightmare - Two Poem by Daniel Brick

(II)

Nocturnal Concert

The concert was a black-tie and
formal attire affair, by invitation
only but it read like a summons more
than an invitation. No smiles decorated
the crowd's appearance, the mood was a heaviness
of spirit. I was escorted to a waiting area,
where others already stood, sunk in inwardness.
And then it began - a curious blend of pretense
and abandon. The mood of inwardness was dispelled,
we were engaged. A gruff master of ceremonies
bowed awkwardly and told us, "Be of good cheer."
I could see his uniform pants and military boots
beneath his formal black attire. He was frowning
as he scanned our male group and checked names off
of a clipboard. Or so it seemed. An elderly man
stepped close to me and whispered, "The paper is
blank, there are no names, only random checks."
His fear was now my fear. I raised my head and
looked around. There were twelve equally scared
men. What does this mean? Should I dare to run?
Electronic music slowly increased in volume, became
strident, then faded. The military man began clapping.
We did too. Forty mintues, we stood there,
alternately applauding and keeping a confused silence.