Eight: King’s Bishop (poem)

King’s Bishop

How’s the latest hoodwink?

That a good word, hoodwink? You like it?

So it comes from olden times, highway robbery

Stagecoaches, powdered wigs

Stand and eat liver, that the phrase? [laughs]

And warned him with her death

You think I’m nuts, what’s he talking about?

You don’t know that one. What poems you know then?

None.

I’m asking after your art, Artsy

They let you get away with it, another time?

So, you got boodle, got your hat full?

There’s a pirate word for you, boodle.

Got coin? The Bishop needs it. Here’s mine

Drop it in.

Okay, c’mon, you’re a movie star

They got a fashion spread and they heisted your looks

Now you’re too big for the little people

Gimme

Don’t give yourself bad karma, Artsy

Sorry, my eyesight ain’t what it was…

you better bend over and pick that up

Next time, chump, next time

But the Bishop laughs, slaps the King’s back

Folds the bill and makes of it a whistle

King’s Bishop

Queen’s Bishop

(2022, Stephanie Foster)