Big and small

My son sits on the floor

so he won’t fall - or legs overshake -

keeping low for his own sake

reducing tension, so when fairy stories pour

and words flow excitedly,

he can play the action hero, fly

like Superman. He finds that classics are best,

more natural - Red Riding Hood amongst the trees

(where he’ll play the Woodman) the rest

of the cast played by anyone else nearby

who fill the lower parts, baddies

or witches, ugly sisters, Grandma.

Big Bad Wolf is his favourite part

and he grabs the role of Troll beneath the bridge

in Billy Goats Gruff; you merely do a smaller bit

of method acting, trip trapping;

all arranged so he can own

the Hero’s part, the one with most to give.

He’s Prince Charming in every show

declaiming a soliloquy so

there is no chance to oust him or argue

with his passion. He upstages every pig!

Full sized, he plays the hero, front of stage;

and goes for it - he plays the part that’s big.