August 2

TOOTH FAIRY

I slide my hand under the pillow and am disappointed not to find a quarter.  I feel I deserve one though I didn’t leave a tooth; I did leave my bite.  I’ve toned down my bark a bit too.  It has not been easy; I have spent much of my life snapping and growling at the world around me.  I have shortened the leash on these reactive behaviors, many I have put to bed all together.  Improved conduct is prize enough but I surely would enjoy a winged visitor if only just for fun.

Applaud your performance.

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In Plain Sight

When there is a problem, I hide.

As the good places diminish

I end up standing behind a pole.

The trouble with this is

that something always sticks out.

I try weight loss, I suck in my tummy,

I try to blend with the scenery.

Once spotted I act nonchalant;

“I’m just hanging around with my skinny friend;

nothing is the matter,” attempting to cover

with a casual aside what is apparent to everyone but me.

I would be better off parading naked

than endeavoring this piteous disguise.

I can’t fool the crowd and trying to makes a fool of me.

What I have forgotten is that clarity and diligence

removes the target from my back

and makes me invisible to almost everyone.

When I solve my problem I solve this problem too.