My poem tells the story ...

Watermelon on My Head

Many years in the distant past

Earth Club teens of me once asked:

“Why do these old guys call us watermelons?”

As though their care of Earth made them felons.

I replied, “It’s a throwback to Edgar Hoover days

When it was considered left-wing ways

To seek justice for others and the planet,

Hoping to instill fear and cause a deterrent.

“But, we still don’t understand the meaning

Of watermelon as left-wing leaning.”

I said, “You’re red on the inside

While you’re green on the outside.”

Earnest and intelligent yet still innocent,

They remained unclear of what I meant.

“Red”, I said, “is the colour of communism.

Watermelon, for them, is an insulting euphemism.”

I continued to make my thoughts quite clear

By adding that politics should not interfere.

Planetary well-being is a universal health issue

For which all of us have something we can do.

Of course, it’s all about green, not about red.

What’s this? I found a watermelon for my head!

Light green, dark green, and in-between green:

Everywhere I go that’s how I’m seen.

With a watermelon by Nutcase on my head

I’m making a statement everywhere I tread.

Although it’s not immediately understood

A bicycle demonstrates that my intentions are good.

A melon on my head may also inspire a smile

And often those who stop will chat a while.

At times, some assume I’m a Roughrider’s fan

To which I deny that it’s a part of my plan.

Once, in Chase, B.C., a fan walked up to me

Extending an invitation to join his company.

A long table full of food everywhere spread

Resulted in me being incredibly well-fed.

Only when I had a full food platter

These Rider’s fans asked if I was a supporter.

Reluctantly, I confessed that I was not

They didn’t mind though that’s what they thought.

Needless-to-say, green is a favorite colour of mine;

Green accessories I look for all the time.

Bright green panniers and bicycle with a splash of red,

Green shorts and socks and a watermelon on my head.

September 25th, 2024