Today’spoem

BLACK MAGIC

Marmalade was a magician Who could perform a trick or two. He’d magic an egg from behind your head And turn a red flag blue. But audiences are fickle, His magic style didn’t fit the bill. His career was in the doldrums He felt washed up, sad and ill. So, deciding his conjuring days were over, He collected his tricks, top hat and wand, And pulling his purple cloak around him, He set off for the local pond. He was just about to throw the lot Into the muddy depths and walk away When suddenly a green flash startled him And a witch stood in his way. ‘You’re Marmalade?’ she loudly cackled, ‘That’s a name to conjure with! It’s fortunate our paths have crossed. I’ve such a lot to give. ‘I possess incredible magical powers, Make me your assistant and I’ll help you be The greatest living magician In all eternity.’ He was sceptical (to say the least) But his assistant the witch became. She enhanced his feeble magic And overnight he shot to fame. His tricks were truly stupendous, (Each one silently manipulated by the witch), The audience didn’t see her wand Or her pointy nose that twitched. But stardom made Marmalade arrogant. He believed he could manage alone. In fact, he’d hired a shapelier assistant And prepared to ditch the old crone. And after the next show he told her, He despised her green face and sulphury smells, No hard feelings, but their liaison was over, In the future he’d perform his own spells. The witch’s face turned black with anger! ‘I no longer need you!’ was his careless boast. But, with one final flick of her magic wand, Poor Marmalade was toast!