As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams

by Michael Estabrook

As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams
he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.
          Franz Kafka

1
In the mirror I’m amazed at how
I am metamorphosing into my Grandfather
getting shorter, stockier, stubble–faced, hair
shorter and grayer, old clothes and shoes, scowl
across my face but I haven’t taken to wearing a hat, yet.

2
While Kerry lay on his deathbed
Katie and Emily came in with their guitars
and mandolins and their long dark hair and tight jeans
and played Angel from Montgomery
keeping him alive for two more days.

3
Even though you’re older you cannot comprehend
how you got that way, it happened so damned fast.
And you can’t accept it either. Still hoping to get
that motorcycle one day ride it out to the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame wind blowing through the hair you no longer have.