The Newest Magician in the World! – Travis Stephens

The Newest Magician in the World!


Louis, his mother said,
we haven’t the time.
Yet she pauses. Waits.
He is practicing his magic trick,
the one where he makes a coin
disappear.
Ten year old hands, new quarter.
He is working up to cards
then has plans for the dog, 
affable & calm if too big to be palmed.
Plus she wriggles.
Maybe the cat.
Next it will be his big sister
god willing
vanished into the closets
of telephone conversations
which never end.
Eventually he will disappear himself
into city alleys splashed
in neon reflections.
One stumble from prison.
Sure, kid.
Show me your trick. 


Travis Stephens