Midas and the Alchemist

That alchemist, the one with the weird smile
and the curious stains on his hands, I told him,
"I believe in the power of positive thinking:
"I desire this to be gold, therefore it is!" —
simple as that, no magic or metaphor for me!'
His gaze climbed the ladder to the ceiling,
took in the monumental dazzle of me on my throne
in this pure gold chamber. He left without a word,
his footprints polishing the coldly brilliant floor.
When there was too much gold, which was soon,
I sent for him again, picked up the gold potato
from my plate. "You know about transformation —
do something.' "Not possible, I'm afraid.'
"But can't you work backwards?' "Can't you?
Try, "I desire this to be a potato, therefore it is!"
"Look, I just want it to be a potato,' I wept.
At this point he smiled, suggested dinner.
"A repast you can eat,' he promised. "It will be
simple — an unassuming wine, a modest salad,
some humble pie…' "Sounds wonderful to me!'
Of course, they say he's a bit of a trickster.
Well, I don't care, I'm going anyway.