Lies you can tell your children

For Deepthi and Mr. G

The sun, in fact, does set into the belly of a large fish.
It plays the flute through its ears
And always always hears your tears.

The moon, actually, has one exiled citizen.
The little prince who was banished from sight
Because he never brushed at night.

The stars are always watching you leave for school.
The hang around in the morning sky
And observe if you’ve kissed your parents goodbye.

Your father, each morning, pretends to go to work.
He’s really hiding in every telephone booth
Listening to determine if you’re telling the truth.

Your mother, each night, sings you a lullaby.
And each little boy wakes up with a start
Her song was a warning about breaking your heart.