Dear Dorothy

gift your ruby-studded pen
to etched papyrus and birch
free your thoughts to the ether
smoke signals, tattoo'd vapour

for the Tin Man has given up
any heartfelt aspirations
sided with the Algo Nada
feigns worship
to the man behind the curtain
studied in showmanship
illusions, side show tricks
appeals to the masses

the Straw Man is in cahoots
with the Wizard, in possession
of no real magic
lots of flash and noise
deep-fried poppy embryos
on demand

but don't you ever

the Not-so-cowardly Lion
does battle
dodging pyrite-plated bricks
lobbed from mirrored shadows
mimicking deep conversation

unicorns hone their horns
doves sharpen their talons
lest they be confused
with iridescent, but dirty pigeons

rainbows write in chemtrails
get ready to rumble

Oz feels nothing like home
but if a girl is in need of a leg up
there's plenty of over-priced stilettos
a lass will still drown
in one night only fans
but at least she will be
anchored with virtual lucre

dear Dorothy

gift your ruby-studded pen
to etched papyrus and birch
free your thoughts to the either
smoke signals, tattoo'd vapour

***