Scary Movie

Scary Movie

He brought her to a scary movie. Why?
He figured he could get his eager hands
all over her that way. He meant to try.
Such are the efforts that the flesh demands
in many. Up on screen, on desert sands
a mummy wandered, just revivified.
Far more than any mere fan understands,
such scenes may prove prophetic. Out he cried
when her strong hands just couldn’t be denied.
She held him close and drained his life away.
Those who had shushed his outburst never spied
her exit — or they did and will not say.
She left him as do all those of her ilk:
mummified in effect, and wrapped in silk.

–Tom Riley

Death of the Iceman

Death of the Iceman

Ötzi fled – but pursuers pursued
And then finished the poor ancient dude.
Though for him it was bad,
Science johnnies are glad.
(This may not be the right attitude.)

–Tom Riley

Undead Hierarchy

Undead Hierarchy

Said the mummy, upset: “Get a clue,
Count Sanguino! Although there are few,
In the face of your name,
Who can make this stark claim,
I in fact am far older than you!”

–Tom Riley

Dry Cleaning Only

Dry Cleaning Only

The mummy sought to moisturize his skin.
His wrappings and his bones were washed away.
Before his reign of terror could begin,
The mummy sought to moisturize his skin.
The upshot proves that vanity’s a sin
Subject to punishment. Oh, woeful day!
The mummy sought to moisturize his skin.
His wrappings and his bones were washed away!

–Tom Riley