This is a repeat from 2001, but it’s timely.
This morning, outside the Soulard Farmer’s
Market where we play for tips, one of our friends came by
and showed Charles and me a
half-developed polaroid photo of
herself with a big pink rabbit.
‘You can have your photo taken with
the Easter Bunny,’ she explained enthusiastically. ‘It costs
3 dollars. The money goes to the
Farmer’s Market Association.’
I figured it would be fun
to have my picture taken with EB,
and with me holding a whistle.
I told Charles I was taking
a break, grabbed my Copeland low
G, and went looking for the
Easter Bunny. But he was hard to find.
After wandering through the market
several times I began to ask
for directions.
‘Excuse me, sir. Have you seen the
Easter Bunny?’
‘No, Buddy, but if you take your
magic wand and go around the corner
you’ll probably meet Snow White
and the Seven Dwarves!’
‘Sir, have you seen a large pink
rabbit?’
‘Dude, I don’t know what you trippin on,
but will you sell me some?’
‘Madam, I wonder if you can help me.
I’m searching for the Easter Bunny.’
‘Get away from me or I’ll scream!’
Finally, near the vegetable stands,
I came upon
a booth with a sign that said: ‘Easter
Bunny Photos.’ There was a lady with
a polaroid camera, but no Bunny.
‘The Easter Bunny is taking a break,’
she explained. ‘He went across the street
half an hour ago to use the restroom at O’Grady’s.
I wonder where…Oh,
there he is!’
I turned. A very
large pink rabbit staggered up and
threw his arms
around me. I was enveloped in a
fuzzy pink embrace.
‘Where you been all my life, baby?’
the Easter Bunny said.
‘You’re drunk!’
‘Nah. I’m the mashter of alcohol!’
‘Very well, let’s take the photo,’
the lady said.
‘Please breathe the other way..’
‘Hello luffuh!’
‘Will you hold up that musical instrument,
sir? Perhaps you can also hold up the
Easter Bunny. Say ‘Cheese’!’
‘Cheese!’ I said.
‘Hic!’
Click.
I’m going to have the picture framed.
