FIRST VERSES

The sisters of the bishop sell candies

in the shapes of birds and animals,

treats so delicious that I learn

to trade skillfully rhymed words

about those sweet creations

for sugary treasures,

which I gobble

with pleasure.

Sometimes the sisters

show off my poems

about doves and lambs

to other children,

as examples of work

that deserves a reward,

but I don’t think of poetry

as labor, when each rhyme

about a parrot

or a panther

is so much

fun!