majordomo

strange that the monster is not some wild beast

but kind-faced human with a ready smile

ready to welcome victims to the feast

 

not as the guests but to be tied and fleeced

surprised they were so easy to beguile

strange that the monster is not some wild beast

 

as in the stories told in the warm east

simple in form but so complex in style

ready to welcome victims to the feast

 

in such a form they think they'll be released

if they'll just come and wait a little while

strange that the monster is not some wild beast

 

but looks so gentle with face lined and creased

by age and weather absent of all bile

ready to welcome victims to the feast

 

as if he were some calm presiding priest

whose attitude is wholly versatile

strange that the monster is not some wild beast

ready to welcome victims to the feast