Draw the sounds coming out of the drum.

by Mary Ann Samyn

In the history of dolls, there’s fear
and then there’s tea.

*

Nowadays the tousled look is best,
if you can pull it off.

*

In the other room, poker on TV.
At the real casino, penny slots.

*

Is this innovative enough for you?
What about now?

*

It turns out even bad dreams
make us happy and productive.

*

Finally!—the shipwreck book arrived
to hold my attention.

*

“Such are the dangers and pleasures
of formal analysis.”

*

Choo-choo is one sound I make
when I round the bend.

Mary Ann Samyn's most recent books include Beauty Breaks In (New Issues 2009) and The Boom of a Small Cannon (Dancing Girl Press 2010). She teaches in the MFA program at West Virginia University.