WE'RE SORRY - THE BAT PHONE IS NO LONGER IN SERVICE -

YOUR CALL CANNOT BE COMPLETED AS DIALED

our superheroes have all gone bye bye

left us to our own devices

no point looking up in the sky

unless you really want to see a bird or a plane

nothing faster anymore than a speeding locomotive

save bullets

and there's too many of those these days

since our heroes have all flown back to their home planets

or retired to the south of France

sipping Margaritas

using their capes as beach towels

stripped of tights and knee high boots

hot white sand now the only thing covering their toes

while the world they once protected

goes to Hell in a hand basket

Wonder Woman , Flash, and Spiderman having realized

the only ones who can truly save us are ourselves

though don't hold your breath

there's no happy ending in this issue of DC or Marvel

just on the job training - one for one - all for none

trial and error in an ozone depleted world

Batman, Green Hornet, and Super Girl

the only ones still able to lie safely in the sun

Kato, Robin, and Alfred there too -

screening their calls

even Commissioner Gordon can’t get through

upon seeing my concern

asks me if I'd like the job

I just smile, shake my head, saying

"like most folks

I may not fit the profile of arch-villain

but pull back the shiny veneer -

you’ll be disappointed at what you find"

© 2000 Chris Sorrenti