Satan's Riddle

THIS POEM IS NOT PRESENTED AS I INTENDED (ie. DOUBLE SPACED).

THIS HAS BEEN DONE BY PERSONS BEYOND MY CONTROL

THUS DIMINISHING THE READING EXPERIENCE.

🙈

As I was out, about, one day

I met the strangest man;

We talked of things, of wax and kings

As he, his tale began.

He said he was a carpenter

But looked so fine and grand,

Sporting walrus whiskers

And walking cane to hand.

He told me of his lifetime,

Five hundred years or more;

He said that I knew nothing,

Was wasted heretofore.

He said he'd speak a riddle

Before he'd by your leave,

I'd never glean the answer

Just so long as I may breathe.

'Tis round a dish as ever known

And white as snow the look of it;

There's food and life for all mankind

But no man ere partook of it.

If I should solve this puzzle

I'd walk away scot-free;

If not, the devil take my soul,

And steal away with me.

He laughed and said he had me,

That I was soundly beat;

And oh, so soon I'd walk with him ~

The archfiend for to meet.

But he'd not know what made me grow

All those years by-go;

He figured wrong what made me strong

And made my lifeblood flow.

His laughing face would turn to stone

He'd see his ruse I'd bilk;

And answer his conundrum when

I whispered "Mother's milk".

                                ASJ