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Parties are Supposed to be Fun, Right?
After all, I’m smiling in the photos
Put on a starchy dress with a scratchy petticoat. Come down to the kitchen to help. No stray hair in your face. Here. Let me tighten those barrettes. There. You look nice. Old fashioned, but nice.
Don’t say anything when they pinch your cheeks, but can’t remember your name.
Don’t say anything while you choke on cigarette smoke and they’ve used up all the Coke in the rum and all the 7-Up with the Seagrams.
Quit asking when’s dinner. We’ll eat when we’re damned good and ready. In the meantime, get out another tray of ice cubes, would you, Dear?
Picture time! Gather in. Closer. Even closer. Never mind her breath stinks. Never mind where his hands go. It’s just for a second. Hold the fuck still.
Smile everybody. Say cheese. Are we having fun yet?
Marilyn Flower writes political humor to delight socially and spiritually conscious folks. She’s a regular columnist for the prison newsletter, Freedom Anywhere, and five of her short plays have been produced in San Francisco. Clowning and improvisation strengthen her resolve during these crazy times.
