Big dots, little dots,
colored dots, black and white dots—
Polka Dots–
the extrovert of patterns,
the province of clowns,
the domain of flamenco dancers,
the pattern named after a dance.

Polka dots are classic and playful.
They appear in bow ties,
skimpy bikinis, and Minnie Mouse’s dress.
Polka dot experts are able to mix
dots with stripes and plaids,
based on color and proportion.
But I wouldn’t try it at home if I were you.

Contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama,
creates installations blanketed with dots,
to represent our place in the universe.
Roy Lichtenstein and Chuck Close have
doted on dots, pixelated dots.
But calling them polka dots is a misnomer.

The dots wouldn’t be offended, though.
Of all the patterns,
polka dots are the most good-natured.