Simon and Simon
by Philip Ryan Frazier

When he was born
A cord was wrapped around his neck
Lifeless and gray, but not for long

Days and years passed
Simon began to show
The sparks of something special

Red, blue, yellow, green
Colors of the rainbow
Simon’s favorite

He wasn’t slow
But he was quiet
And scared

He loved toys
Mama Jo’s cooking
And 70’s folk music

His mother was a saint
Patient and kind
Loving without prejudice

His father worked hard
His hands strong and calloused
But not his heart

Then one day
Father came home
With a big colorful box

Packaged inside
Were the colors of the rainbow
Red, blue, yellow, green

With the touch of a button
Sounds and lights
Illuminated his room

His father was first
He made it to three rounds
Next was Simon

Round after round
Never missing a sound
Or a flashing color

“Simon, you beat it!”
His father was excited
And confused

Was it the toy that brought Simon to life?
Was it Simon that brought the toy to life?
Or was it Simon and Simon giving each other life?

Simon beat Simon
That fateful day
He was only three

I have three boys

Two are mine

The other is on loan

My poor wife.