Life In A Fishbowl

(July 20, 2006)
This poem was inspired by one of Gary Larson's Far Side cartoons.

Floating endless circles
around pretend castles
and plastic treasures;
past a helmeted figurine
of a man
bubbling air that doesn't pass
through lungs;
looking out
at a magnified world
appearing larger than life,
wetter than aerated H2O;
masticating
in personal defecation
and crud covered pebbles
thinking…
                    Should the castle burn
                    and I escape the flame
                    to flop a slimy stain
                    upon the tablecloth—
                    Am I not now more screwed?