Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Victor indeed, you dared to be a god.

A little girl presumed to heap regret

Upon your head, but you refused to nod

In spiritless agreement.  What a bet

You’d won!  The universe was just your pet.

You taught it tricks that no one ever had.

You cried aloud to Heaven:  Game, match, set!

Your handiwork, however, called you Dad.

That was the only word that drove you mad.

What’s with these metaphors of fatherhood?

As badass, you were naturally bad

And thus resented being hailed as good.

Are there mistakes that cannot be erased?

This is a question for the northern waste.

–Tom Riley

Monstrous Math

Monstrous Math

“I’m more,” said
the Fiend, “than the sum
of my parts!”

–Tom Riley

Frankenstein’s Monster

Frankenstein’s Monster

“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”

Hey, I don’t fear the Fiend’s prodigious force:
Sentimentality is what I dread—
And, boy, he’s on a sentimental course!
Hey, I don’t fear the Fiend’s prodigious force!
Is he six times as strong as any horse?
My problem is the sappy stuff he’s said.
Hey: I don’t fear the Fiend’s prodigious force.
Sentimentality is what I dread!

–Tom Riley

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue

I am almost, I feel, on the slab—
Or dissected in Frankenstein’s lab.
All the life is drained out
Of my being. No doubt:
I am truly that tired of your gab.

–Tom Riley

Humble Request

Humble Request

 

“The bitter sting of remorse will not cease to rankle in my wounds until death shall close them forever.”

 

Like Adam, I requested just one mate.
Frankenstein found that one request excessive.
His attitude was heartless and aggressive
At last. He started, labored to dilate,
Then cut the project off, inspired by hate.
Only of one small dream was I possessive.
My vengeance, I then swore, would be impressive.
Oh, he had opted for a dismal fate!
Creators have to answer, I maintain,
For what they have created. Mortified
By life infused in body and in brain
Fresh from his hands, he waited – then he cried.
I gave him boundless spiritual pain.
Did I regret my deeds? Ha! Walton lied!

 

–Tom Riley

 

Sprinter’s Speed

Sprinter’s Speed

 

“The classic monsters bore me!” he declared.
“Vampires and werewolves, Frankenstein…. Who’s scared?”
They leapt that very moment from the screen.
Such sprinter’s speed is very rarely seen.

 

–Tom Riley

 

Inner Life of the Frankenstein Monster

Inner Life of the Frankenstein Monster

The voices of
my many parts cry out
for some creator.

–Tom Riley

 

Patchwork Pal

Patchwork Pal

The monster who’s composed of others’ parts
Shows a unique sense of community.
Shaped by a master of unhallowed arts,
The monster who’s composed of others’ parts
Is serving all and winning many hearts—
Or would be, were he treated properly.
The monster who’s composed of others’ parts
Shows a unique sense of community.

–Tom Riley

Omnia Monstra Viri, Omnes Viri Canes

Omnia Monstra Viri, Omnes Viri Canes

“Bride of Frankenstein, this exerts suction.
You’re in tears – and for such a reduction
My distaste is now strong.
Come on, honey. What’s wrong?”
“There’s a mistress now under construction!”

–Tom Riley

Victor Victus

Victor Victus

 

“I’m assembled from various parts
In accordance with Victor’s dark arts.
As both beggar and chooser,
Victor ends up a loser.
I have wisdom, though he may have smarts.”

 

—Tom Riley