13thWR

POEM TO THE LATE MELVIN DIXON IN A BLACK AND WHITE
PHOTO PICTURED IN JAMES WHITE REVIEW, 1988

I was in the 8th grade when
A picture of Melvin Dixon appeared
In James White Review

Trying desperately to subdue smoker's breath
From Mr. Henderson

They called him Papa Smurf because of his white beard and pot belly.
Handwriting worse than any medical doctor

Sitting in front, eyes straining to chicken scratch scribblings,
Remember now that he's the reason I wear glasses.

I may never see clearly again --
Fat bastard.

He's the man who hides behind cars
in the faculty parking lot
for a quick smoke before leading his home room back to

beakers and dissected frogs marinating
In what used to be jars of Mayonnaise.

- Shane Allison