The Amazing Frank Zee

by James Mar

“Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys,
If you love magic, please make some noise.” 

“Have I a special treat lined up just for you.

Get ready for this incredible debut.”

“Straight from China, a once in a lifetime event,

It’s the greatest performance you’ll find in this tent.”

“He’s the finest magician you’ll ever see!

The one, the only, the amazing Frank Zee!”

In a flurry of flips, Frank sprung on the stage.

From young to old, a delight to every age.

Proudly he showed a colorful face,

Switching each mask at a rapid pace. 

From mask to mask, a different role.

A different face, a different soul.

Faces that are angry, faces that are sad,

Faces that are scared, and faces that are glad. 

In a puff of smoke, he was the monkey king.

Yellow suit and all, with a tail to swing! 

From behind his back, he pulled out a pole.

He swung it around with precise control.

Making them smile, making them laugh,

Frank tossed and twirled that long red staff. 

Happy and playful with a spirit so free,

This is how the monkey king was meant to be.

Leaping offstage on a misty white cloud,

Frank briskly returned to greet the crowd. 

Wearing a scholar’s robe from long ago,

He played an erhu; bowing to and fro.

A pair of butterflies fluttered around,

Guided by the erhu’s elegant sound.

Everyone was moved by this song of tragic romance, 

And captivated by the butterflies’ tender dance.

Two hearts destined for an endless love,

Joined together in heaven above.

Upon the completion of this musical piece,

A swarm of butterflies were suddenly released.

The colorful display had such a stunning sight,

The entire audience was filled with delight.

But in a minute or two, it all cleared away.

The lights were lowered for a shadow puppet play.

Behind a brightly lit screen, a figure appeared.

It was a red faced man with a hardy long beard. 

His movements were so alive and so real,

You’d believe a shadow could touch or feel.

Here was a general with a body built tough.

Loyal and righteous with a face that stayed gruff.

In the worst of battles, he was never afraid, 

Wielding his weapon with a long crescent blade. 

Furiously he chased after his foes,

Striking them down with his powerful blows.

Though his battles were long, hard, and cruel,

Ending the war would come from a duel. 

Not even an army could conquer this general’s might.

As sure as the sun rises and sets, he would win the fight.

Back and forth, weapons clanked and clashed.

Striking so hard, sparks flew and flashed.

On the final blow his opponent let out a yell.

The man stumbled a bit before he finally fell. 

A brave general deserving of glory,

Would live to fight on for another story.

With a burst of confetti, Frank sprung to his feet.

He took a single bow and his show was complete. 

Erupting with applause, the audience rose.

Like they were told, it was the greatest of shows.  

Facing his audience, Frank wore the happiest grin.

For this was true magic; the type that came from within. 

To be appreciated and perform an endangered art,

Frank thanked them all from the bottom of his heart.