by David Feela
“My my, and what are you supposed to be?”
“A congress people.”
“That’s precious! And how did you come up with such a cute idea?”
“My daddy told me to say it.”
“Wouldn’t your daddy help you make a costume?”
“He didn’t do nothing.”
“What a wonderful way to inspire creativity! How old are you?”
“Eight.”
“How funny! I know members of congress that won’t survive half as long.”
“Why?”
“Well, little one, it’s because they’re like your daddy.”
“Are they fat?”
“I suppose some are, but mostly they’re just lazy.”
“What’s lazy?”
“Lazy means they want candy for doing nothing.”
“I want candy.”
“Of course you do. Here, take all you can grab with your grubby little hands.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Better yet, take the entire bag. And here’s my wallet, my credit cards, plus the keys to my house and car. Take it all.”
“Gee, you’re a nice lady.”
“Yeah, now scram! I’ve got to shut off the lights and pretend I’m a Democrat.”
David Feela writes a monthly column for The Four Corners Free Press and for The Durango Telegraph. A poetry chapbook, Thought Experiments, won the Southwest Poet Series. His first full length poetry book, The Home Atlas appeared in 2009. His new book
of essays, How Delicate These Arches , released through Raven's Eye Press, has been chosen as a finalist for the Colorado Book Award.