For David P.
Behold the magician
Glide across the stage
With effortless Mistoffalees ease.
Wizard eyes flash “˜hind an unfurled cape
Casting trances here and there
Spelling the cast, while
To the sound of music
Long fingers tipple a gleaming top hat
Onto the table upside down
And out fly rabbits, field and sky;
Children wandering east of Eden
And out into the woods;
A people, yes, singing
Earthy, majestic, melodious, and free.
With the sweeping flourish of his white tipped verge
Something is afoot.
Stars spangle,
Years dangle,
Riddles rattle,
Tiddles tattle,
And it still is true
The hand is quicker than the eye.
Clay Derryberry
February 20, 2002