The Pickwickians

noble riots caused by swelling,
first of extremities, then of gonads,
bursting loose, causing distant thunder,
the small group commenced toward
Bethlehem.

the urge for travel immense distances
but where in the world?
cucumbers quacked sound-bites, droll
green vegetation sprung up along the miles,
the walk became cumbersome, the overweight
eager for rest.

nostalgia filled their letters,
learned astronomers followed
their passage, noting drop in weight
and height, the gentlemen coughing
phlegm, and doing donuts in parking
lots.

but travel they must, and humping
to please they sent recordings of science
to the club back home in Knickerbocker
Square; their mouthings made the “Hardball”
talk show, setting the nation abuzz.