Naff Douglas

Naff Douglas listens candidly
As the ache of paralysis wanes.

Naff’s fate is to listen well
To grateful unsaved souls.

Vagaries gently muddle his truth
And he comes to revel in indistinction—

Taking the yoke gratefully,
Like a spindly ox whose duties lighten with its self—

Who would give to sustain Naff
When his service is so singularly replaceable?

Yet even ease can be burdensome
To one made to be used,

And Naff slumps beneath
Noticing candidly—

Too late for joy or terror—
Nothing cannot be undone.