The World's Worst Magician

By Jhanvi Latheesh

If you think magic is all about fancy hats and rabbits, you haven’t met my Uncle Larry. His magic shows were less “Abracadabra” and more “Oops, I did it again.” But somehow, those disasters made him unforgettable.

It all started the day he quit his job to become a magician. No fanfare, just a glittery cape that smelled like old cheese and a magic wand that was really just a painted stick from the dollar store. We were skeptical but excited — mostly because he actually had a plan for once.

His debut was at my cousin’s birthday party. He grabbed a deck of cards, flicked his wrist dramatically… and the cards exploded everywhere. Cards were stuck in the cake, the balloons, even my cousin’s hair. The kids weren’t scared, though—they were doubled over laughing. Uncle Larry bowed like a rock star, grinning as if that was the plan all along.

Next was the disappearing coin trick. He balanced a coin on his elbow and told everyone to watch closely. Then he flicked the coin… right into my mom’s hair. She wore it proudly as a shiny earring for the rest of the day.

The grand finale was supposed to be pulling a rabbit out of an empty hat. Instead, Uncle Larry pulled out a live goldfish in a plastic bag. The look on his face was priceless—confused, embarrassed, and maybe a little proud. The kids adored it. The goldfish, not so much.

Uncle Larry’s magic wasn’t about perfection. It was about trying, failing spectacularly, and making people laugh no matter what. His shows didn’t just entertain; they brought us all closer in a way no perfect trick ever could.

So if you ever see a magician who can’t quite get the magic right, remember my Uncle Larry. He might be the world’s worst magician, but he’s also the best at making magic where it counts—right in your heart.

By Jhanvi Latheesh