Faye Sizemore

THE PLATEYES

Good afternoon, Doc…
yes… I see I am on time
by your waiting room clock

How was my day… you ask…

The’ plateyes’ were downtown today
and I think some followed me home

… even though I took a different way

While at the mall… I saw Jim
He was shopping for a hat…

He smiled when he saw me
… and waved at where I was at

No small matter that… my friend Jim
… a grenade beheaded him
He took his new hat with a grin
and exited the way he had come in

The mailman came today… ringing my bell
I saw he was an old enemy… I had sent to Hell

‘Plateyes… Plateyes’… all over the place
smiling at me… and leaving no trace

‘Plateyes’ driving… waving as they go by
None are seen except by me… why… why…

And there was my old squad
… and all of my old buddies…
grouped in my neighbor’s yard
shouldering their rifles…
… and still standing guard

I know you may think I’m just crazy
but I can really see them…
… even though their faces are hazy

Aside from those few instances… Doc…
My day was the usual of mine

What… you ask are… Plateyes…
If you don’t know… Doc…
We have to draw the line

Doc… let’s just say…
I’ve had a wonderful day…
My day was fine…

Author’s Note: In The Low Country Of South Carolina… The Old People Tell Of ‘Plateyes’… mischievous ghosts who roam the earth changing shape and identity for deadly self-serving purposes