Nom de Guerre

"The moon used to spin on a different axis and show a slightly different face to earth."

Something malfunctions in me, said Sendak

To explain why he functioned as he did.

An idea about the end at the back

Of my thoughts insists nothing is ended.

In both senses, it means, knowing I lack

The wherewithal to cogitate splendid

Dances on zero without an attack

Of my Cretan yips that can't be mended.

No souls who've met me, quick taken aback,

Have ever failed to remember they did.

But Life's my nom de guerre, so I have to ask,

Will they forget me who meet me once dead?