*Laurie Kolp Poetry*

Childlike Sue
by Laurie Kolp

Sue walks through the house when she talks on the phone
pacing back and forth, picking up here and there.
This day was like no other, going along as planned
until Sue spotted on the white rug a blade of green
slither by and disappear under a big orange chair;
the scream was a fog horn in her poor friend’s ear.

We all need sunshine, time to play outside.

Sue stood like a statue as if stoned by Medusa,
she was not accustomed to snakes in the house
(although Sue once encountered a small mouse
and found it so adorable she made it her pet).
Some thought Sue eccentric, a wee bit whimsy;
bold colors and feathers she wore in her hair
and her home an alluring fairy tale cottage
but a snake inside she found horrific and vile.

We all need sunshine, time to play outside.

Sue called for her neighbor, dialed 9-1-1
the whole time her eyes glued to the chair.
Her stilettos would make perfect weapons
thought Sue as she blew bubbles and waited.
When the young, hot fireman entered her house,
the little green lizard made its way home.

We all need sunshine, time to play outside.