Peace Stains

PEACE STAINS
April 6, 2006

The sun shone across the fairway
and over all the rides;
the metals and the plastics
and the coats on painted hides.

Shadows stretched to form black puddles
under platforms wet with dew
where legs galloped soundlessly
before the crowd was due.

Sardius gnashed his ivory teeth
complaining to his friend
about the loud and noisy children
who would come to torture them;

all the sticky-fingered girls
and the boys with heels quick.
If he could move his frozen legs
he would give each of them a kick.

“You should be used to it by now,”
said Isobar, his mate,
as he eyed the growing crowd
that was swarming through the gate.

“Oh give me peace; tranquillity,
and a silent stable floor!”
Shouted Sardius to Isobar,
“Who could ever ask for more?”

Soon a young girl approached, no less,
with pea stains on her knees.
Cried Isobar, “There’s your peace!”
His laughter roared above the trees.