this week my daughter rose from bed
and put a colander on her head
since we don’t have a family rule
“you can’t wear kitchen tools to school”
she did so, proudly. Metal hat.
(Stop her? Why would we do that?)
it’s a pretty even bet that
some of this could be genetic
her voice, walk and choice of clothes
seem to cause intrigue with those
who don’t believe that it’s all real –
then WE show up, and seal the deal
she spent the day attending class:
as her friends and teachers passed
they’d ask, of course, in low voice
of her non-traditional clothing choice
she just smiled, most patiently
told them one and all “You’ll see.”
through jeers from jerks, thumbs up from buddies
English, Science, Social Studies
she walked the halls, head high with pride
our giant strainer by her side
until the end of school arrived
and in Math class, they went outside
strange and sudden twilight sky
this week’s eclipse was passing by
in the courtyard, while the masses
all looked up with paper glasses
she held her “hat” out and found
a crescent galaxy on the ground
the waning sun shone through her bowl
and every tiny little hole
became a cool projecting lens.
It really freaked out all her friends
and not-so-friends, and teachers too;
weird science fact that no-one knew.
it’s fair to say they were impressed
as no one could have easily guessed
the function of her curious fashion
“How did you know that would happen?”
“It’s one of my grandma’s tricks…
we did it back when i was six!”
we recognize that confidence
and don’t demand that she “make sense”
just hope to guide our clever spawn
blinders off, but seat belt on
the one to always bell the cat
(Stop her? Why would we do that?)
Luna Obscura.