THE MAD HATER’S TEA PARTY

by Lisa Shulman

AI-generated graphic by NightCafé for The New Verse News.

“I’m throwing a Party,” the Mad Hater decreed,

“And it’s only for those of Certain High Breed.

The workers and riff-raff will not be allowed

We’ll clear this Great Land of such unwanted crowds.

We’ll send them all packing to back where they came

And build big border walls in Liberty’s name.”

 

He wanted the people meek and afraid,

Instead they came chanting and dancing, they prayed.

They flocked to the aid of their neighbors and friends,

They poured through the streets, angry crowds without end.

 

“Criminals!” the Mad Hater shouted with venom,

“Violent assassins, we’re going to get ‘em!”

He called out his proud boys, his goons and his gnome,

Said, “Smash their car windows, crash into their homes.

You’re breaking no laws if you do what I say,

My Words are the only Law you must obey.

But these people with cameras and signs in their hands

Are the worst of the worst, destroying our Land.

Arresting them all is how we stay Free,

Anyone is a traitor who doesn’t agree!”

 

The people still came with their banners and songs,

Would not be defeated, they knew right from wrong.

 

Then, “Off with their masks!” the large crowd declared,

“Let’s see why these big men are so terribly scared

Of children and mothers and men holding phones,

It makes them all trembly right down to their bones.

Their pepper and guns are no match for such threats

As inflatable frogs and knitters in sweats,

And pink dancing sharks and sweet unicorns,

And kids banging drums and blowing on horns!”

 

With all this distraction, this hullaballoo,

The Hater was pleased by something he knew.

He rubbed his small hands and gave a sly smile,

“At least they’ve forgotten about those damn Files!”

 

 

Lisa Shulman is a poet, children’s book author, and teacher. Her poetry has appeared in Sheila-na-gig, About Place, Anacapa Review, Inkfish, Kitchen Table Quarterly, ONE ART, The New Verse News, and elsewhere. She is the author of the poetry chapbook Fragile Bones, Fierce Heart. A Pushcart nominee, Lisa teaches poetry with California Poets in the Schools, and workshops for women in recovery.

A VALENTINE FOR MINNEAPOLIS

by Lisa Shulman

 

I love the crunch of your boots in the icy streets,

the rhythmic beat of your mittened hands,

the steam of your breath and the heat of your words 

in this brutal cold and ice-clapped world.

I love the chapped red of your cheeks, your dripping nose

the ice crystals on your eyebrows, your hair,

as you carry signs and bags of food and offer your arm

to that woman on the ground.

I love the street medics with their packs,

the rolling neighborhood patrols,

and the cafes open for free soup and coffee.

I love your cousins in Chicago, Portland, L.A.

I love the way you bang on drums, on cans and dumpsters,

your raucous all-night singing,

your harmonies as you kneel on frozen sidewalks,

your whistles and car horns.

I love your walking school buses,

your inflatable frogs, and knit red hats.

I love the warm and flowing river of your bodies

pouring through your city—

blood pulsing through its veins.

I love your courage that ignites our own,

fire melting ice.

I love your heart.

 

 

Lisa Shulman is a poet, children’s book author, and teacher. Her poetry has appeared in Sheila-na-gig, About Place, Anacapa Review, Inkfish, Kitchen Table Quarterly, New Verse News, and elsewhere. Her new chapbook is Fragile Bones, Fierce Heart. A Pushcart nominee, Lisa teaches poetry with California Poets in the Schools, and workshops for women in recovery.