Gather close, my curious friends, hear a tale from long ago,
Three travelers came near a town, where desert winds do blow.
I sipped my tea, a careless delight, spit a drop with glee,
“Oh… you can see me?” I asked them slyly, “…Only the worthy can see!!”
I rose from my chair, long hair falling past my shoulders sleek,
Took off my hat, a bow so deep, my grin sharp as teeth unique.
Golden eyes caught in sunlight, I looked up mid-bow,
“My name is Zah-Ka-Ra-Gi and I am a Genie.”
They scoffed, “Give us proof? You’re a genie? Where’s the fun?”
I raised a finger, a casual pause, “Uno momento” the moment had begun.
The waiter came, I tried to speak, but she could not hear nor see,
“No man in a suit,” she said, “just jokes that bother me!”
I leaned in closer, a whisper, a grin, “Shall we play? Dare to wish?”
The one named Adam stepped forth, desire in his eyes, “A bag, holding coins, weightless, limitless, and no mish!”
I swirled my hand, parchment appeared, wrapped tight in red,
Place your thumb, I said with charm, and the magic spread.
The paper bit, his blood spelled his name, the ink dark and bold,
The page burned away, and in its place, the coin purse he’d hold.
I grinned, shadow flicking, teeth like knives, then back to cheer,
“Who’s next?” I asked, playful again, no hint of fear.
At last, the final wish was made, I leaned back with a twirl,
“Well, gentlemen,” I said with rhyme, “what fun we’ve spun, alast it’s done.
Time for me to go, but don’t forget what you owe!”
He asked for a copy, a souvenir, curious still,
I waved it floating to his hand, memories to fill.
But the fine print hid the truth, subtle, dark, and free:
“Upon the death of the undersigned, their soul shall serve me,
Zah-Ka-Ra-Gi, pledged in devotion for all eternity.”
Smoke and embers swirled, I vanished from their sight,
The village shimmered, then faded, like a desert mirage at night.
Zah… Ka… Rah… Gi…! The villagers chanted loud,
The men all fell, alone beneath the mirage cloud.
Remember, dear ones, desires are sweet,
But every wish has a rhythm and beat.
A dance with fate, a game well played,
And I, Zah-Ka-Ra-Gi, have always stayed.
[chanting]
Zah-Ka-Ra-Gi