We passed Miller Pontiac
on Main Street.
Heard that guy’s a crook
I said to my co-worker
in the driver’s seat.
Oh, he responded
with his eyes fixed
on the busy street
ahead of him,
He’s my father-in-law.
Oops, there I go again.
Should have kept
my big mouth shut.
Sorry about that,
I offered my apology.
Don’t know the man
personally, was just
told so by a guy
who bought
a used car from him.
Claimed he got screwed
by him when he
paid good money
for a lousy
vehicle which
blew its transmission
after a week.
Was an “as is” purchase
with no guarantee.
My partner shook
his head.
Don’t blame him,
I’d be pissed too.
You just never know,
waxing philosophical,
I went on.
As is is as is,
in life there are
no guarantees.
Both my co-worker
and I were on
a sales call for
the Kansas City Star.
We were in display
advertising, a real
shyster's racket
if ever there was one.
We were told a good
salesman never takes
no for an answer.
Persistence is key.
Hand a sucker the
pen and make him
sign on the dotted
line. Get the order
or lose you job.
I began to wonder
what my potential
customers thought
of me.
Let’s get a drink.
I know a good bar
close to here, my
partner said.
Why not, I told
myself, Didn’t
seem to mind
screwing my employer
having a drink or two
while on the clock.
I felt a little
better knowing
it’s part of the game
all around—
eventually everyone
gets screwed.
Since he offered,
I let my friend
buy the first round.
-30-
Chris Hanch 3-23-2021
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