The Fourth of June, 1923

The stars know all there is to know

about strange sights seen down below.

Of all strange sights the stars have seen

none stranger than the fourth of June, 1923.

There was a timid old man

with skin white as snow

who wore a billowing cape

black as a crow.

The cape he wore

pulled over his head

to prevent him from stealing

what was in other minds said.

For he had a strange gift

this peculiar old man

to do something unusual

no one else can.

If he locked his gaze

on any pair of eyes

he could harness and steal

what in their mind lies.

The thoughts brought talents.

Talents oh so many!

But the burden of guilt

was too heavy to carry.

The timid old man

with skin white as snow

didn't feel it was right,

claiming what others know.

So he lived a quiet life

modest and unseen

Until one day:

the fourth of June, 1923

The mysterious old man

was still very timid

so when he lowered his cape

it was at first just a smidgen.

He gathered his nerve

and fully exposed his face

rushing to meet others

as if it were a race.

One by one

he looked into their eyes

and the timid old man

stole what in their minds lie.

Swallowed by the power

of all he knew

he at first didn't notice

his head swelling like a balloon.

For no human brain

was built to carry

thoughts and talents

oh so many.

The man with the cape

began to scream

as higher he floated

above the trees.

Forget the trees

as he floated high

higher and higher

into the dark night sky.

Not long at all

until he raced

higher and higher

to outer space.

He didn't stop there

as he stole

what all the aliens

proved to know.