pawnshop found
made you laugh
like some partridge family lunchbox
not of your era, but if you could
y’know

time travel

that perfect piece of clip-art
not too much information
or superfluous features

it could get the job done
made out of metal—not plastic
would serve you well
at least until you could afford
the dreamy one

this object

he has seen white
been to the edge of
what you never want to know
why he smiles
in that great distance

no expiration date
and no label indicating fragility

it’s all implied…
while the music of nostalgia
sings its passion play
kitsch and dust
polaroid barbie
wind up toy

heart aside
you throw yourself
into this channel
and adjust
rabbit ears accordingly

and just watch

© Tom Watters 8/6/08