the safari

i go on a photo safari.

deep into the woods of 

springfield.

which ends

at the edge of the mall

and 495.

i have my

camera on.

ready

for the next wild beast

to appear.

i bring a chair

and a book.

a bottle of water.

i have on my LL Bean

sweater

and boots laced to my knees.

i'm patient.

and not scared.

even if it is my first

safari.

then i see linda coming

up path

singing and drinking

her coffee.

she's oblivious to my safari.

i wave to her

to be quiet, to settle down.

she comes over

and says, what's up. what are

you doing.

shhhh. i say. i'm waiting

for the lions

and zebras.

the elephants to come around

oh brother she says. you've really

lost it. haven't you?

shhh. you can stay if you want,

but sit down.

and no talking.

oh look, she says. a squirrel.

quick, take it's picture.