how to react
to an uncomfortable remark:
think yourself dressed
in stars and stripes crepe
red white and blue
with top hat and white beard

why, you are Uncle Sam !

you have two bright sparklers
in your hands and you high step
parade through the confetti
that floats in the air marching
to the tune of a brass
band that has suddenly appeared
you apply a Robert Preston grin

why, you are the Music Man !

happy forever to strut with purpose
in an endless carnival

that’s how you react
to an uncomfortable remark