Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
When I look in the mirror, I do not do a jig.
A thin face with wrinkles, a nose that’s too big.
Ears that stick out like a wind-powered rig
If I couldn’t laugh, I’d wind up in the brig.
If Theo “Seuss” Geisel drew me, it is sure,
The likeness would be its own caricature
On an elephant ride in Kuala Lumpur.
If it helped a kid read, it’s a pain I’d endure
I looked in the paper and learned of the news.
It wasn’t a good thing. It gave me the blues
I learned that the world was now changing its views
Of that dearly beloved. That muse, Dr. Seuss
The doctor who made us smile, learning to read
Has lost face for the way that he planted that seed.
He had wildness of spirit, a mind that was freed
In a tolerant world, on that much we agreed
Time was we accepted ourselves and each other.
We could laugh at our faults and stay sister and brother.
Now we guard features like we’d guard our mother,
But darkness comes down when it’s humor we smother.
It’s funny how times change and fashion erases.
What once made us chuckle now brings on disgraces
You can’t even celebrate difference in faces
Because if you do that, they call you a racist.
Whatever you say, whatever you do
Say nothing ‘bout people who don’t look like you
Because if they’re beige, brown, black, blond-haired or blue,
Even the Whos down in Whoville might sue.
Mention a difference, we now lose our mooring
We pretend that we’re all just the same. It’s just boring.
Ease up! Gentle fun is OK, I’m imploring.
Be proud! Our uniqueness still needs underscoring.
Steve Hansen writes for Clovis Media Inc. Contact him at: