frog girl goes to camp

frog kiss dianne cowen

poor frog girl with her bulging eyes

& thick-from-crying neck

 

can’t get the green plastic

thread for her boondoggle

 

can’t ride macey, the palomino

fails the swim test

& is confined to the shallow end

 

a big frog in a small pond

where’s that prince to turn her back into a girl?

missed his bus

 

you know about missed busses

& waiting in the rain for

the ride that never comes

 

you’re like the frog girl

suffering life’s disfigurement

 

only on the inside

no tears for you

 

the brave face has its value

smooth, sweet mask

 

croak in private, you tell her

never let them know.