For years leprechauns lived
under Pop’s fedora.
They danced jigs on his head
when he wore it

and hid in his ears
when he took it off
to scratch his head
then jumped back up

to dance a few reels
when he took it off
for another good scratch.
Leprechauns dancing

confused my mother.
She thought Pops
had ringworm or lice
and should see a doctor.

The attendant said no
ringworm or lice but said
Pop might look odd
wearing a hat in his coffin.

-- Donal Mahoney