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Dusk. A red-haired man with a rubbery face browses
gold in a brightly-lit stall. I’m shoulder to shoulder
with Clem Kadiddlehopper, my Tuesday night regular,
his left arm circling the waist of a six-foot blonde.
My brain’s ablaze. I try on words: Willy Lump-Lump.
San Fernando Red. Laugh, can’t stop. I open my mouth,
but like Freddy the Freeloader, nothing comes out.
As if he’d read my mind, Red tips his cap, then blasts a smile.
His angel pouts, and they disappear in the milling crowd.
© by Nancy Scott.
Used with the author’s permission.
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Nancy Scott is an author and artist who lives near Princeton, New Jersey. A retired social worker and past managing editor of U.S. 1 Worksheets, she started writing poetry in the mid-‘90s, hoping her work would eventually be published; she is now the author of more than a dozen books--novels, poetry, and short stories. Nancy's latest poetry collection, A Little Excitement, has been named "first choice for summer 2021 reading" by North of Oxford. Her art is frequently hung in juried shows and, sometimes, her poetry and art are featured together. Learn more about Nancy at www.nancyscott.net.
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Anastasia:
What a moment, well-captured! I remember watching him at my grandmother's house!
Posted 08/06/2021 09:19 PM
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KevinArnold:
Oh great, now I have to research Red Sketon.
Posted 07/18/2021 05:38 PM
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BAMars:
This brought back memories for me, too - both of Red and of Florence. I'm sure I'd be completely tongue-tied as well. Fun poem.
Posted 07/18/2021 12:09 PM
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paradea:
Loved Red Skelton! Thanks for reminding me!!
Posted 07/18/2021 09:00 AM
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Larry Schug:
Isn't it strange how a person's mind returns to things like the memories of old tv shows? I must confess, I myself have written a poem with Jimmy Durante in it. The final line is perfect.
Posted 07/18/2021 07:55 AM
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Rob:
Fun story, and poem! Love the hat-tipping moment!
Posted 07/18/2021 06:50 AM
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