The Lady With Three Eyes

Barker: Step right up! Step right up!
Come and see a gruesome surprise!
Look in the young ladies’ eyes.

The Lady With 3 Eyes: Even when I was young, children believed when I said
I had eyes in the back of my head.

But I don’t.
Just the one here - dead
center like the statues
in India.

It doesn't shut or cry.
No one knows why.

It doesn't see clearly
or nearly
as far. A dim star
set in skin pale and pitted
like the moon.

People are always tempted
to poke it.

I’ve tried hats
and things like that
to hide the eye
but it gets too dry
under cover - sad fact.

The fortune teller
is morbidly fascinated;
and is sure I can ward
off the evil eye and other charms
intending harm.
I would have been beautiful
So I’m told.