Who's Who (Poetry)

For now, I’ll call you friend, Anton
or whatever name you answer to
this month, this year, or maybe John
as though mere sound defines you

If I shouted ‘Dominic!’
would you turn and answer quick
or simply go on reading?

I might re-christen you Mad Jack
and half-expect a rude comeback
telling me with patient pain
I’m nothing but a cross-eyed Jane
annoying as a buzzing fly
small but noisy, keen to spy
skin exposed for bleeding

Are you a vampire lover, Vlad?
warm and wanton? cold and dead?
would a goodnight kiss turn bad?
what’s in a name?
                        somebody said ...