DAD GABBINABBLE

By Ben Greenman

from forthcoming collection, as yet untitled

“Dad Gabbinabble — The Baby Babble — Put a Bowl in the Hole — And Rouse the Rabble” read a banner affixed to the exterior of the new Harris-Geerson Supermarket on Pilaster Avenue. The sign appeared overnight without warning. No one has claimed responsibility for it. Various attempts have been made to decode or interpret it, with little success. “For now, we are leaving it up,” said Peter Hitcham, the deputy mayor. “Why? Well, because it’s brightly colored, for one, and because it’s not hurting anyone, for another. Plus, I like the rhythm.”