James the Moose

He was liberated,
from the amusement park
by a careful and clever
display of skill and grace
in the face of impossible
carnival odds and tricks.
But not by me, although I tried.
I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried and I tried
until I noticed that I only had
one president’s face smirking
back at me. You try,
I said to my love, my partner
in impulsive financial decisions.
She made the shot, first try.
Now James, oblong,
coffee colored rollie pollie
a pig nose and soft antlers,
a wannabe moose,
reminds me every day
that I can always
be surprised.

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About the Author

Zhenya Yevtushenko is one of the sons of the late poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko. He is a published translator, a former substitute teacher and funeral home consultant. Currently, Zhenya has resumed pursuing his undergraduate degrees in Political Science, History and English. Zhenya aspires to become a Foreign Service Officer and a literary translator. He resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma and owes his inspiration to his brothers, his mother, and to the love of his life, Olivia.

Zhenya Yevtushenko
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