HAVING HANNIBAL FOR BREAKFAST

tell me Dr Lecter
how many census takers
have you yourself tested

and is
their bureaucratic impudence
any guide to flavour

this I ask
as one of your greatest
admirers
who
would have felt
so blessed
to have just a smidgen,
an ounce
of your visceral
eloquence

not to speak of
your tactical acumen
or ease with
which you
freely segue

from devious thought
to diabolical strategy

but
let that all rest

we are both here
for breakfast, to enjoy
ourselves
try
this Jamaican cuisine
you were so thoughtful
to bring

jerk Dr Chilton
lots of prize juicy
essential and
inessential
parts
in a doggy bag

Published by Damian Garside