For Pati
I look upon my life like Disneyworld.
In Disney’s realm the days are sunny stark,
Or when it rains the wigs still stay stiff, twirled
In spite of the humidity. The park
In evening’s brilliant, too, since Klieg lights blare
Away what darkness that sneaks in despite
The fireworks’ blasts. An unremitting air
Of chipper falseness fills the plastic air.
All this is what my father taught me to
Deploy in life. His attitude was charm
Never hurt anyone, and brightened blue
Sad days, and never did any real harm.
So don’t become crabby like Donald Duck.
Smile like Minnie—instead of shouting, “Fuck!”
