Dear Zelda,

You smile at me every morning

on the TV while the plaid clown

and that funny old man run around.

Mom says you’re in the USA.

You can see me all the way in Australia.

Can you come visit me?

Read me a poem like you

said to the red and white dog

yesterday.  I have a dog like that.

When I’m cold,

I think of your smile under the straw hat

with red peppers

and a chin strap.  I liked

when you showed the book

and talked to that really big elephant.

Thomas

 

Backstage

The clown throws a cigarette

in the trash, starts a fire.

The old man, Mr. Otis,

does mime for waiting guests .

On air, Zelda interviews the fire marshal.

C.J. Prince

©2016