Donal Mahoney- Three Poems

Robin Hood and Nero

Two people so different

can view the poor

through different lenses

and offer a solution

but not the same solution

while America decides.

One is Robin Hood

who would take from some

and give to others.

The other is Nero

who would let more crumbs

fall from his table.

Cobra’s Wife

She’s a snake charmer

but doesn’t know it.

That’s why the cobra 

married her and has lived

so many years in its basket.

Sometimes he asks her

not to play the flute, 

perhaps brush her hair instead,

that lovely waterfall 

cascading to her ankles.

Not always wise to play the flute, 

although the cobra loves its notes.

No bob and sway for him today.

Instead, the cobra plans to lie  

coiled in its basket.

Deer Season

There’s always something. 

Like the growth you found 

under your arm 

showering this morning

but you decided to go 

deer hunting anyway.

Every year you sit 

in your tree stand so high 

no deer has ever seen you 

and no other hunters 

have ever come by.

Far out in the country.

An occasional owl hoot.

But today you were

checking your cell phone 

and fell out of the tree 

and now you can’t move.

Both legs may be broken.

It’s dusk and two coyotes 

are walking around you, 

getting closer.

You shoo them away but 

they’re patient and stay,

not even growling. 

Maybe you can forget 

about the growth you found 

under your arm.

The good news is

no co-pay.

Donal Mahoney lives in St. Louis, Missouri.