Waiting for a Marching Band

[BobBradshaw]

Waiting for a Marching Band


Today I leaned from my window
for inspirations to come marching
down the street.
I could hear the thunder of drums
several blocks over approaching.

A reddish husky leaned
from the window of a passing car.
Sunglasses were perched on his long face,
glinting like a stunt pilot's in an air show.

What had I accomplished today?
My optimism had been misplaced;
obviously I was at the starting line
of the parade, and had missed most

of a long line of inspirations
while I slept late--again.

I slipped my own pilot sunglasses on,
to hide my disappointment,
and tried to look confident, stylish,

as I had hoped the love poem I planned
to write for you today would be.
And though I had no poem
to woo you into my arms

I stood in front of the mirror
practicing the look I hoped
to wow you with—
my best Tom Cruise impression—
the Top Gun one....

Still, when I met you for dinner,
it was the best I could do
to maintain calm,
my heart flying upside down
with barrel rolls and wild acrobatics.

Know this… If my heart were a jet, your name
would be painted on it, babe.