Funny as F

I sat drinking my coffee.

My wife joined me.

“Funny as Fusco”

She looked at me and asked what I just said.

I laughed and repeated, “Funny as Fusco”

She told me she didn’t like the sound of that

and didn’t even know what a Fusco is.

I said, “A completely unembarrassed sharer of hilariously ridiculous recollections.”

She didn’t like the sound of that either!

Then I thought that I also want to have the uninterrupted intensity of Tony Brown,

The insistent incisive sensitivity of Mary Oliver,

The dramatic inspiration and immeasurable entertainment of Paul Szolsek,

The courage to speak plain truth pain like Joanne Johnson

And many of the attributes of so many of my wonderful poet friends new and old.

I know I can only have bits and pieces and some would not even stick.

I steal what works without taking

and keep all that I have already of myself.

I’ve got to be free, daring to try, or do it or die.

I’ve got to be me.