Original Prose Poetry: “Kiddie Pool” by Brad Rose

People seem to like it when I lie to them. It gives them peace of mind, although I’m not sure whether this is due to my strategy or tactics—that’s for the experts to decide. After giving the matter my full attention, I’ve resolved to pull more rabbits out of my coonskin cap. Until then, I’d like to make amends for my deepest apologies. I wouldn’t want to offend anyone, especially during my show-and-tell session at the dog-and-pony show. Meanwhile at the library, the arithmetical goldfish swim around like they know something special. They’re certain that two pairs of pants equal four legs, but in the land of a thousand dances, it’s no advantage to do the two-step at the anniversary party, certainly not during happy birthday season. Of course, who’s worried about the brutal animal moments ticking in the baby sharks’ kiddie pool? Not me. I’m lucky that way.

Brad Rose is the author of five collections of poetry and flash fiction: Lucky Animals, No. Wait. I Can Explain, Pink X-Ray, de/tonations, Momentary Turbulence, and the forthcoming poetry collection, WordInEdgeWise. Seven times nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and three times nominated for the Best of the Net Anthology, Brad’s poetry and fiction have appeared in, The American Journal of Poetry, The Los Angeles Times, New York Quarterly, Puerto del Sol, Clockhouse, Folio, Best Microfiction (2019), and other journals and anthologies. His website is bradrosepoetry.com. His blog is bradrosepoetry.com/blog/.

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