Late To The Party (Poetry)

I came rather late to the party
the guest of honour was already there
like a king at the head of the table
he lounged in a great gilded chair

as he smiled at the crowd close assembled
his teeth sharp and glaringly bright
and everyone toadied before him
my hairs stood on end at the sight

while I gazed with a strange fascination
he lifted his eyes to meet mine
and a knowingness crossed his expression
a warning as clear as a sign.

My blood turned to ice in that instant
I saw the mask slip from his face
and he shapeshifted into a lizard
revealing his alien race.

Then I blinked and the vision reverted
and there like a human he posed
so confident in the illusion
surrounded by minds fully closed.

I stood there afraid and uncertain
who to tell — the words died on my tongue
for they’d think I was drunk or deluded
so I crept out the way that I’d come.

I still see his face in the paper
no camera sees through his disguise
but I know I glimpsed just for a moment
the reptilian threat in his eyes.