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Dusk. A red-haired man with a rubbery face browses
gold in a brightly-lit stall. I'm shoulder to shoulder
with Clem Kadiddlehopper, my Tuesday night regular,
his left arm circling the waist of a six-foot blonde.
My brain's ablaze. I try on words: Willy Lump-Lump.
San Fernando Red. Laugh, can't stop. I open my mouth,
but like Freddy the Freeloader, nothing comes out.
As if he'd read my mind, Red tips his cap, then blasts a smile.
His angel pouts, and they disappear in the milling crowd.
© by Nancy Scott.
Used with the author's permission.
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Nancy Scott was an author and artist in New Jersey. Managing editor of U.S. 1 Worksheets for more than a decade, she was the author of five full-length books and four chapbooks. Nancy began writing poetry in the mid-‘90s as a way to share experiences and insights from her earlier career as a social worker. Nancy's latest poetry collection, A Little Excitement, was named "first choice for summer 2021 reading" by North of Oxford. Her art was frequently hung in juried shows and, sometimes, her poetry and art were featured together.
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Anastasia:
What a moment, well-captured! I remember watching him at my grandmother's house!
Posted 08/06/2021 09:19 PM
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KevinArnold:
Oh great, now I have to research Red Sketon.
Posted 07/18/2021 05:38 PM
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BAMars:
This brought back memories for me, too - both of Red and of Florence. I'm sure I'd be completely tongue-tied as well. Fun poem.
Posted 07/18/2021 12:09 PM
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paradea:
Loved Red Skelton! Thanks for reminding me!!
Posted 07/18/2021 09:00 AM
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Larry Schug:
Isn't it strange how a person's mind returns to things like the memories of old tv shows? I must confess, I myself have written a poem with Jimmy Durante in it. The final line is perfect.
Posted 07/18/2021 07:55 AM
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Rob:
Fun story, and poem! Love the hat-tipping moment!
Posted 07/18/2021 06:50 AM
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