After Taking My Grandson To A Gary Soto Poetry Reading
We Watch Cartoons

Sponge Bob’s
shoelaces have
turned menacing,

they stare up
at him
with bared teeth,

they’re untied
and trip him
every step

of the way.
Finally
the kind folks

at Davey Jones’
Footlocker
help him

out of
his predicament.
A very

special thanks
to Gary
the Chicano Snail.

No, not
Gary
Soto---

his poetry
is too
straight-laced to help!"

At least,
that’s what
my grandson says.