Valor Is a Funny Word for This Particular Poem
Jimmy Cagney dances with Shanghai Lil (Ruby Keeler)
It is 2:18 in Lansing & there is only 7:54 left in the game,
Oklahoma had better wake up! yes, March Madness has descended.
During a time out I have built a turkey club & taken a Coke
to the chair. The house is cold, the rest of the world embroiled
in World Cup, cares less about hoop & today has been as
fickle as a cat, a bouncing ball, a fair-weather fan. The diehards
have painted their faces, are frantically waving their signs.
The players’ shoes are squeaking across the blonde parquet,
their colors are emblems of hunger & valor. Last night
while flipping channels, I discovered James Cagney could
dance. There he was, in a saloon, on a stage, hoofing on
top of the bar with his Shanghai Lil. Together, the two of them
tap, tap, tapping across that shiny wood. I am hungry for
spring. I am waiting for a spring fast break, for spring to tap
on my window, to curl up in my lap like a kitten. I am
tired of winter. Time out, winter! I am ready for madness
& wonder during a commercial if James Cagney could
thread the needle, toss up the perfect alley oop,
shoot the deep three or pass the ball
behind his back.
