The Fair

The fair rolled into town surprisingly

intact, like a plate unbreakable because

it has been dropped and glued so many times

that it is all glue and no plate. The fair

was no fair. But, oh, it was a thrill!

The fair slid into town just as a clown

slides into pants. The fit was loose but right.

The sheriff  had a job directing traffic.

The barber was the sheriff  for a night,

and people paid to see a human ape.

They frowned to find her happy and alive.

The fair spilled into town like a box of tacks.

Later that month, in with the rest at church,

were people no one knew,

though none could tell exactly who was who.