The Shriners

The Shriners

Especially for Harry Thomas and Elwood Riggs, Friends and Mentors

The Shriners are coming to town,

And they have many a clown.

They’ll tease you just right,

Give you Turkish Delight,

And some will be wearing a gown.

The scimitar is flashing, that’s true…

Snake charmers and harem girls too,

Will wiggle and jiggle

And prance ‘til you giggle…

And still Al Hasa’s not through.

A hillbilly family and car

That seems like it couldn’t go far

Will soot up your air

Or shoot you right there

And drink whiskey not got from a bar.

Then little scooters and bikes

Dare devilling around—Oh Yikes!

A calliope plays;

The front wheeled car will raise;

Oh this is what the crowd likes.

They march to honor the dead

With fezzes upon their head…

Silly marches and true

To show me and you

That you can honor with fun if it’s led.

© Copyright, Daphne Yvonne Bradshaw, 2000.

All rights reserved.