Death and the Barmaid

Hillary Lyon

she pours 'em as she gets 'em

beer and tequila mostly

but some high-end scotch

tonight the gaunt customer

at the bar's end

orders one dirty martini after another

right up to closing time

the bar maid gathers glasses

wipes the countertop

and passes him a napkin

with her number on it

Death and the Stoner Chick

Hillary Lyon

she laughed at the garbage disposal

but she'd take anything

passed along at a party

and once a gaunt hitch-hiker

with an unnamable pill

gave her the best high ever

that was years ago

now she's clean and born again

driving alone to Bible study

she opens her door at a red light

and lets that hitcher back in

Death and the Valedictorian

Hillary Lyon

mamma's perfect child

National Honor Society

president chess club class officer

never home late never goes out

spends hours in her room

studying and researching

online dating there's a new guy

gaunt but goth-handsome

she wants to meet face to face

his "yes" is such a thrill but

don't tell mother

Death and the Mirror

Hillary Lyon

well you're looking trim

smooth complected and clean

pate shiny and smooth

good thing hoodies are in style

you lurk in subordinate shadows

always a good idea

as darkness hides your empty eyes

funny how folks see

what they want to see in you funny

how they take your proffered hand not thinking

of the inevitable consequences