the vacation

hannibal smith

sold elephant shoes

and anteater hats

to tourists from kansas

down at the wharf.

-just like the zoo!

or republican

wife swapping parties

no one need know

what you've done

just blame it on ozone

or jet lag, funny

mushrooms they put

in the food at the hyatt?

back home,

it's just the vapor

behind the curtain,

the studio lights

and microphone,

the script:

fear and fluff and

weather delivered

with shining hair

and teeth. the camouflage

of power ties and cleavage,

up-to-date wrecks and rain,

feeding on tears

and celebration

all the scandals

and vandals,

and puppies!

cuddled not fried.

the barbarian binge

left behind with a generous tip

for the maid, insurance

to keep her from blabbing.