i)


of an an evening the father and son, sit in the parlour and play chess,
while the mother makes tea and toast
(and as a unit,  they are compact..)

but one evening an old friend turns up from the east
he has many a story
in his pocket, a pipe and a monkey´s paw..


(-the latter  found or purchased in india..)
the friend explains, that legend has it-
three wishes represent the out stretched digits of the simian´s hand..

one simply makes a silent request and closes the finger.
(everyone laughs a sceptical laugh.!)
but when the glasses have been cleared  and the friend bid the


fondest adieu ,
the monkey´s paw is taken from it´s obscure  place and three stand in nervous contention..

then, the mother says, i know i will wish for two hundred pounds!?
(a small fortune back in those days..)
and she bends the shriveled fore-finger to it´s  palm!

(they stand in doubtful silence.)
nothing!ha!
the paw is discarded again..
  
ii)


the following morning there is a knock on the door,
and two serious gents  relate  the sad news..
The son has been trapped in machinery at his place of work, and  

crushed and mangled to death.!?
the parents are devastated..
their visitors are from the insurance company and before leaving

present them with a cheque of compensation.
(for two hundred pounds)
the funeral is held..

both are inconsolable.
back in the house the mother sees the monkey´s paw and makes a wild grab for it.crying,

i wish our son was home again.!(much against her husband´s advice.)
Then at the door in the dark there is heard strange and muffled

cries! pleading and remonstration!
he has returned from the grave but..?!the old couple are mad and the inhuman sounds linger on..

finally, the father takes the paw and wishes a third time,
for peace for their beloved son..
outside the noise recedes and then there is only the wind..