Joe Dolce: ‘Cut to the Horse’ and ‘The Great Galoot’

Cut to the Horse

Pain under the ribs?
Mr Hypochondriac, take a number.

1. Tumor
2. Blocked artery
3. Constipation

The familiar roulette wheel of maladies.
(1 & 2 get special attention).

Should I have a hot bath,
or book an x-ray,
put my affairs in order,
take a nap,
or prepare
my unfinished oeuvre for posterity?

In the morning, like clockwork,
I’ve come good.
I could eat a horse.
All that useless worry for naught.
Next time, I feel the pain,
I’ll cut straight to the horse.

Joe Dolce

The Great Galoot

The path is strewn with petals,
there’s perfume in the trees,
the gentlemen and ladies gather round.
Horses have been stabled,
dogs are all on leash,
when the Great Galoot comes to town.

Posters have been plastered,
tickets now are rare,
banners and bright ribbons are unwound.
Trophies finely polished,
speeches well prepared,
when the Great Galoot comes to town.

The chamber hall is brimming,
Parliament begun,
the Ministers are all seated in the round.
Media has been notified,
microphones are on,
when the Great Galoot comes to town.

Every hand is raised,
motions have been made,
paperwork is signed and passed around.
Plans have all been laid,
the lawyers all get paid,
when the Great Galoot comes to town.

Joe Dolce