The Black Cat's Hat

We went to the market today. Twas an extraordinary stay – Children begged in their same old way. Grandma, please, buy this, that! Money was tight; dreams flew astray. Oh, how they wanted that fat hat! Grandma, please, P-L-E-A-S-E, buy us that hat! The top was tall; it was not flat. Red-white stripes like the black cat's hat. “We want one oh so bad.” We’ll both be good; please buy us that! I purchased one per lad. Imagination found its stay. Faces aglow in glad array. Each wore his hat without delay. Soon, amusement began. In hyperactive glad array, They spread their arms and ran. They passed Suzanne; watch out, stock-man! Down each aisle, two boys ran, ran…ran! They ran right past the tall doorman. Down the street to the right, Faster than an airborne toucan, To the candy store, they took flight. Racing behind, “Come back!” I yelled. Upon deaf ears, my words propelled. Steadfastly with purpose upheld. “Give me those hats right now.” Before long, their excitement quelled. Hats hidden, until now! © July 9, 2011 Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen