caricature by hirschfeld

Henry’s Prayer For Marilyn Monroe

Oh, you atheist God, please accept
this fallen star, raped at nine
by the swine of Animal Farm---

that’s how she came to harm,
at sweet sixteen she tried
to kill herself with herself.

The subway blowing up her dress,
Henry in his seersucker suit
thinking of her underneath hirsute.

Back in his apartment,
his computer files defiled
by the New York City vile.

God removed his own two arms
and examined the inside of them.
Then, he removed his own two legs

and examined the hollowness within
while Marilyn reached for the telephone
and dialed the number for death.