HORSEPLAY – by George Bilgere
I am floating in the public pool, an older guy
who has achieved much, including tenure,
a child, and health insurance including dental.
I have a Premier Rewards Gold Card
from American Express, and my car
is large. I have traveled to Iceland.
In addition, I once met Toni Morrison
at a book signing and made some remarks
she found “extremely interesting.” And last month
I was the subject of a local news story
called “Recyclers: Neighbors Who Care.” In short,
I am not someone you would take lightly.
But when I begin to playfully splash my wife,
the teenaged lifeguard raises her megaphone
and calls down from her throne, “No horseplay in the pool,”
and suddenly I am twelve again, a pale worm
at the feet of a blond and suntanned goddess,
and I just wish my mom would come pick me up.
From Blood Pages (University of Pittsburgh Press, 2018).
Used here with the author’s permission.
“There Are No Ordinary People. You have never talked to a Mere Mortal.” C.S.Lewis
Practice Playfulness 