“Little Me”by Keith Basar

Image by Dika Rukmana from Pixabay

Hey, I recognize these people — I think...

(I cling a little closer till the coast is clear)

My mom says everything’s just fine.

These people are family and friends.

I sorta recognize them

But they didn’t play baseball with me earlier today 

or make me lunch.

Wow! That guy in the red shirt looks like he swallowed a bowling ball!

How’d he do that?

And why’s there hair growing out of that other guys ears?

Hmmm, he’s smiling at me and saying what a good little boy I am.

I do kinda like that... kinda.

Oh, here comes a lady that my mom says is my Great Aunt Verna

Her smiles are even brighter than last weeks Fourth of July bonfire we had at the campground.

She’s sorta pretty.

But she sure has a lot a “thick stuff” on her faced

and she smells like my Mama’s flower bed, but worse!

Oh, look out — she’s going to (mmmwah!!!)...

Yuk! (pause), God I hope it doesn’t leave a permanent scar?

Boy, that smile of hers is hurting my eyes!

There must be some sorta of “smiling disease” going around.

Just hope I don’t get it, cuz I’d have to probably have to drink that “pink stuff.”

And that’s this boy’s worse nightmare!

Gee, all these people must have it.

Look. they’re all smiling at me,

and asking me to come down and see them.

Maybe it’ll be fun but...

My Mama is encouraging me to do so

and she NEVER makes me do anything that would harm me.

In fact Mama ALWAYS knows what best.

Ok, here goes nothing — I’m jumping down...

Hi everybody, my name is Keith

(they’re all smiling again)

Look, there’s the guy with the hairy ears.

He’s got a baseball mitt and ball.

and gesturing to me!

Mom... (big pause) can I go play?

© 2019 Keith Basar - All Rights Reserved