wishes rose
like cream to the top of my coffee
swirled
then the harley
pulled up. my fairy godmother
stepped off, her long gray hair
cascading down the back of her leather jacket
not what i pictured
she spat on the ground
and ambled into the diner
whisking out her wand
you called? she asked
i nodded eagerly
well get on with it. tell me what you want.
her wand bent under the weight of my wishes
world peace, the end of world hunger
a long vacation in Europe, a duplex by the sea
a better job and salary
a handsome prince just for me
Crack
oh dear
have you got a spare wand?
can you grant my wishes
fairy godmother? i asked
give me a break honey
she said
i got a long ride and this is
the best i can do
she stuffed four quarters into the jukebox
hit some buttons
then stumbled down the diner steps, waving
sighing i sipped my coffee
and listened to Springsteen
and don’t you know
i felt better
Copyright 2007 Ruth Harrigan
