True Identity

BANG! POW! KABOOM!

Words exclaiming from

fragile comic book pages.

wrapped in cape

much too large,

although the tag claims “one size fits all”. 

Mind wondering, dreaming

of the powers that could be

identified.

ZAP! SMASH! WHAM!

Proudly displaying symbols and logos

of the greatest heroes.

Here come the giggles…

Smirks…

 jeering…

Shamefully

pull over a plain, blank hoodie

- every hero needs a secret identity.

WOOSH! BOOM! KA-POW!

No more bells in the halls

directing students to class.

The first of many ceremonies,

people tossing their hats.

What is next to come?

Mask still on to seal

the identity,

or maybe this is

permanent reality.

CLICK! PUFF! VROOM!

Parents are driving away.

Alone with a stranger.

What is that?

A glimpse of a familiar image

creates a double take.

A new friendship begins with a

“Hulk SMASH”