the enso

"Oompas and Waltzes" by marlowe

the poem

It happens once
a year, like a pint of Guinness
or a slice of key lime
pie, an annual tradition to mark
what we cannot foresee, as time
loops around the clock like dancers
circling this hardwood floor. We are
grateful for the Shiner beer
before Mass begins, the St. Mary’s Choir
chanting in Czech while we fiddle
with our pink camouflage wrist bands,
proof we paid our dues.
The elders wear traditional
costumes with cowboy boots, stealing
gentle yet furtive glances,
a touch, then, perhaps later
a scandalous public kiss. But it’s
the old-time polkas that whoop
up the crowd, the serious
couples kicking in real
soft leather-soled shoes that shuffle.
Even the toddlers are humbled
by the bass drum. We could play
checkers on these white & red table clothes,
each plastic square perfectly aligned:
seamless and predictable and simple.
The controlled chaos continues to churn
while Miss Lavaca County pops her gum
on the sidelines. We watch the fashionistas
swirl by in long tiered skirts, winking
at the K of C officers in full regalia, black capes
pinned back at the shoulder, swords ready.

the enso

"Birthdays Only Come Once a Year" by marlowe

the poem

You’re not yet used
to this feeling, the uncertainty
and nausea as you see-
saw from one tentative step
to the next, watching your world teeter
with you, not quite convinced
the hardwood floor is solid.

No, you won’t feel
like this again
for another 11 years,
after you take your first boat
ride, and then
again, and additional 6 years
later, when you get so drunk
the dorm room spins
like a nuclear physics sign.

No, for now you
are learning to walk,
noting new lessons
about gravity and faith.