Oscar by Bart Edelman

Image | Rene Terp

Oscar

 

They’ve decided to call you Oscar,

And you’re okay with that.

It’s a good, strong name,

And you’ll grow into it.

You won’t let them down;

After all, they’re your parents,

And you like them, well enough,

For a kid who can barely see

Halfway out of his crib.

You’ve surveyed the situation, 

Thinking you’ve got a swell deal:

The toys, the food, the dog;

Ain’t Zelmo one crazy creature?

And what about your sister, Tobi,

Who’s quite amusing, at times,

Despite a penchant for hysterics.

Sure, you’ve got a lot to learn,

Especially the bathroom thing,

But why get too far ahead of life?

Now, it’s just you navigating

The confines your bedroom offers.

How to make the logistics work.

Crawl where it is you can.

Smile, drool, and answer sweetly

To the cool name you’ve been given.

 

© Bart Edelman 

Bart Edelman 

Bart Edelman’s poetry collections include Crossing the Hackensack, Under Damaris’ Dress, The Alphabet of Love, The Gentle Man, The Last Mojito, The Geographer’s Wife, Whistling to Trick the Wind, and This Body Is Never at Rest: New and Selected Poems 1993 – 2023.  He lives in Pasadena, California.

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