Overheard at Coney Island (Poem)

Danielle Kelly, Coney Island Mermaid Parade

© Danielle Kelly. Used With Permission.

Overheard at Coney Island

     Red Madame, Fire Eater, Sword Swallower,
give me a show, please! Serpentina's done charmed
     those snake eyes. P.T.'s done split and run, the bum.

     You, hey you, Blockhead. Can you keep the creeps
in line till it's time? Entertain 'em with a sideshow, maybe
     freak 'em out with your tattoos.

     Just curious. So you say. Shockmeister here will twist
your mind, rattle your brains better than the Wonder Wheel
     will spin you memories on a Saturday afternoon.

     Honey. Yeah, you over there, dolled up in pink gauze
and a frou-frou hat, hogging the picture, blocking the view.
     How's about opening your eyes for once. This ain't no place
for debutantes to be taking a stroll on The Boardwalk.

     I know, I know, already. It's tough being the only working
class broad inside the Morbid Anatomy Museum. But look at it
     this way. We got some of the finest specimens in the world.
Even better than pictures. Our Slashed Beauties: Awe...some.

     Oh, I'd rather be at Brighton Beach if I can't hang in
Luna Park. I rode the Cyclone a dozen times, stiffed up
     at the Parachute Jump, oogled the Mermaid Parade.
Those cuties. They were some sight for tired eyes.

     Our bumping cars, man; they're vintage, man. What else
do you need to know?

     Steeplechase Man's still sporting the same stupid grin, hair
split down the middle, waxed at both ends. I heard he's been on
     his feet in that park for more than a hundred years.

     Don't miss the Two-Headed Baby! Be sure and catch Dogfaced
Boy! Beware Jack Dracula! Man, that's magic! And not just for kids.

     Honey, Yeah, you over there, still in the picture. Put down
that umbrella and let go the gauze. So you ain't got enough sex
     appeal to be an ole-skool burlesque star. Maybe I can interest
you in a hot dog. It's a darn good Brooklyn invention.

© 2011 Maureen E. Doallas

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I wrote this piece in response to today's fun Picture Prompt Challenge for One Shoot Photography Sunday at One Stop Poetry. Featured there is an interview with talented photographer Danielle Kelly and the picture prompt that you see above.

Anyone may participate in the challenge. Go here to read the interview conducted by Chris Galford and then scroll down for instructions for the challenge. Be sure to add your link to share your poem or prose piece with the other contributors.