Alan S. Austin
Arizona Playwright • Writer • Poet
  

Meeting Cerberus at the Gates of Hell

Here doggie doggie.
Take it easy. It's all going to be O.K.
I am a human, or at least I was.
I know it's difficult... three heads instead of one.
Stop growling.
Having to look in all directions all the time.
You look terrifying.
I understand.
But the one growling is making me nervous.
All I want to do is come in.
Go through the gates.
I'm dead if you hadn't noticed.
I'm going in, not escaping.
What did you say?
You don't like gays.
I am dead and I don't give a damn.
It shouldn't matter.
Not that it did before.
I'm coming in and to hell with you.
Oh, someone cracked that joke before?
You're tired. Sorry. I understand.
You always wanted to be be an Afghan hound?
Forget it. They are having a really tough time.
Me? How do I feel?
I don't suppose eternal damnation's much fun.
No going back?
It took me half an eternity just to become human.
So what happens now?
This is forever?
They should tell you before you arrive
Compared to eternity
Life's the equivalent of a two minute coffee break.
Never mind. I understand.
I like dogs, honestly.
Let me scratch your ears, yes, all six of them.
You take care of yourself.