If you were ever to encounter

a bear in the forest

—- the smart play —

is to quickly drop to the ground & feign death.

Then slowly get up

& pretend you’re one of the living dead

A-ha! 

Now who has the advantage?

Chapter II

Though, if I’m to be honest with you,

it’s a 50/50

“Hello, I’m Shirley Jackson for the California Lottery”all the while clacking your teeth & rolling your eyesall the while clacking your teeth & rolling your eyes