Light Verse: A Serious Defense

The ancients knew the crying mask and laughing mask are peers.
So very much that’s human cannot be expressed in tears.

To those who say the tragic voice should claim especial height:
You’ve shown your darkness cannot comprehend the shining light. 



Punishment

What, send them to their rooms?
With not a thing to do but play with their computers, phone their friends, tune in their radios and television sets, et cetera, et cetera?
I had more smarts than that: I sent them to each other’s rooms.
Son Patrick found himself the only human in a settlement of Anna Lees.
Danielle found out her bed would be a giant football shoe, her company a captive scorpion.
Five minutes passed, and both of them came running out to promise they’d be good. 



Shot a round of eighteen (to the tune of “Sing a Song of Sixpence”)

Shot a round of eighteen;
A score card full of squares.

 Couldn’t roll a strike or
Pick up any spares.

Proving I’m an athlete
Is nothing but a dud.

Time to find myself a couch
And call myself a spud! 



Upon Receiving a Rejection Slip with No Publication Named

Dear Editor Mysterious, please hearken:
Which door is yours, the one I mustn’t darken?