Doppelgaenger Issues

I advertised for a doppelgaenger.
No one applied. Or, I already have
a doppelgaenger, and he intercepted
the applications. Or, I am the
double, having applied and been hired.

By whom? Me, of course. Or,
I don't have a doppel-double
because I don't deserve one,
someone has decided. Who?

You. Yes, you. Come on,
admit it. You're a forceful member
of the movement dedicated
to raising the standards of
the double, and you betray
a reactionary affection for
Jeckyll and Hyde and William
Wilson and the Justified Sinner.

Or maybe it's your double
I'm thinking of.


hans ostrom 2019

"Alter Ego," by John Bannister Tabb

Qualifications

I have a Ph.D. in Foolish,
with specializations in
Impulsive and Awkward.

I earned a certificate in
Befuddled--and pursued
additional training in Perplexed.

"You're kind of a fuck-up,
aren't you?" I asked myself.
"Yes, yes I am," I replied,

"but you're no goddamned bargain."



hans ostrom 2013

Found Poem: Followed

the new sexy
you
is following
you

would you
like to follow
the new sexy
you?


hans ostrom