To Impersonate a Lion
Dress up a donkey.
Limit donkey’s exposure.
Assume the divine right of kings.
Be a public figure on behalf of the lion.
Talk a lot.
Distract folks with urgent demands.
Give violent commands satisfying old grievances.
Question the inquisitive.
Eliminate truth-tellers.
Reward collective amnesia by threatening to unleash shame.
good fences
good neighbours make
but now we build walls
great cedar walls
now the neighbour
owns the sun
’till middle hours
shorten shadows
and the garden
joyfully awakes
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Six Foot Notes
Eeny meeny, miny moe; catch a tiger, by the toe.
If he hollers, let him go; eeny meeny, miny moe.
Samuel Grisdon Grey the Third went down the stairs to play. His
Nana watched him from the stoop and longed for peace today. All
souls played well in deed and word till Dean’s disproving scowl, called
back his happy children close to hear his whispers foul. He
sent the children out again and Nana breathed relief. She
chatted with his mother saying, “No need for ugly grief.”
Joining hands the children spun their circle fast and tight, till
with a wink, a chirpy shout, their secret plan gave fright. To-
gether on that fateful hour two freed their hands from his. Their
unsuspecting mark flew back and banged that crown of his.
Grounds for play turned red and damp as all turned pale and quiet. Dear
Sammy did not move until his Nana said, “Let’s fight.” “Let’s
fight this scene in prayer and praise the only Holy Name, the
One who knows the wink and cost of every deadly game.” And
so she prayed and so she sang until dear Sammy stood.
“Let’s forgive them Nana, they don’t know what they did.”
Eeny meeny, miny moe; catch a tiger, by the toe.
If he hollers, let him go; eeny meeny, miny moe.