TOM PADGETT
(1929--     )
Writer, Educator, Poet
Bolivar, Missouri



POSSUMS IN THE STREETS



I sing of towns where possums walk the streets,
where cars slow down to let them amble by,
where children come from school amazed that they
are pouched marsupials like kangaroos
and found in dictionaries under O.

For possums are seen frequently by those
who grow to their maturity on farms
or in small towns. They are a common clan
like Gradys, Rileys, Connors, and like them
O'Possums lose distinction from their name.

I met a possum first out on the farm
when running rabbit traps and selling furs.
A hissing occupant drove me in fear
to Dad, who showed me how to make it sull
and then play dead before we turned it loose.

I met a possum last two nights ago
when walking here in town for exercise.
A grizzled wanderer crossed in front of me
to scout around the area for food.
He headed vaguely toward my neighbor's eggs.

Remarkably tenacious in their ways,
the possums have survived an evil world
of hunters, lumbermen, and city folks.
No doubt when we arrive at Heaven's gates,
there will be possums walking golden streets.

Tom Padgett