Read Poem: Clarissa and Charley, by Ingerid White

There was a tall lady who liked to wear hats
Sometimes, it is said, they contained even bats
When asked why she did this, she only would stare
And say, “But my dear, one has to have flair.

“And besides, there’s a hole at the top of my head
That must even be covered when I’m in my bed
For what would I do if my brains leaded on out
Without so much as a warming or shout?”

To church she would go with her latest ensemble
And all would admire her amazing aplomb
For her hats made her taller by half than before
And match, they must, every outfit she wore

Her husband, by contrast, was only 5’3”
He suffered the glances of all who were free
To gaze at the couple who sauntered on in
Suppressing the urge to let go of their grins

The lady herself was…