A Box

Phil’s friend, fascinated with archaeology,

Planned an 80-minute lecture for the teens.

For months, he sought a box, 

But heard, “We recycle immediately, can’t help.”

The night before, a box arrived, disassembled.

Phil agreed to reconstruct it,

And improved the original idea with 

Casters and hinges.

Then Charles, a stocky man past middle age,

Laid down in this box, safari hat on his head.

To Indiana Jones music, on Phil’s casters, 

Several volunteers rolled him into the room,

Lights off, music blaring, he suddenly

Burst open the box. 

Spontaneous dancing broke out,

Good to shake off the afternoon sleepiness.

My boys told me, in animated language,

All about this dramatic entrance. 

I would never have thought of such an idea, 

Assuming such stuff too childish for today’s teens,

But the response shows that even today’s teens appreciate 

The zany, the unexpected, the incongruous.