Immortalized

On the way past the park, I happen upon

Shakespeare, trapped in his personal prison garden

of perennials and succulents and iron bars.

It’s the most efficient way

of holding someone indefinitely-

they cut off his arms and legs,

stuck him on a pedestal,

and froze him like Han Solo.

He notices me,

and shouts up,

“Hey! Think you can get me out of here, man? Please?”

I stop, and think for a second.

“Sorry, Bill!

I’ll bring you a newspaper tomorrow.”