Remembering Monster Magnet

Was I six, or was I seven?

On the screen in black and white

Though I foresaw it were red

The Wham-O Monster Magnet

Furious, magnetic power-infused

Through red rippling arms

Very like a genii with a hoop in his ear

But mad mad mad mad

Mad monster mad!

I could hang from the ceiling

If it was steel

Lift tremendous loads

My distended mouth locked in mid-scream

Forever and forever and forever

Even pick up an atom bomb

And launch it across the Midwest

As Golden Achilles in form

Headsman-grim and lion-set

Watches the course of his spear

Arc over the beach and dwindle

Against the darkling skies of Troy

Then turns to face foaming Poseidon

Amidst crabs crouching the shingle

The heavy horseshoe of the magnet

Heavy held at the hero's side

In subtle warning to the sea

Full faces the god, softly, proud

The wind throws back his mane

He dares in pleasant conversation

To speak of the Superball!