Wednesday,
Ray walked two hundred and fifty-seven steps
to the bus stop in front of the building.
He said he needed to go to social services.
Ray used to rack magazines into a cannon
for Uncle Sam,
but Sam couldn't seem to find
another leg for Ray.
I guess that used to matter
back when Ray could afford the bus, but
he walked all those steps back
and passed my window on the way,
tipped his hat and scrabbled by,
muttering and spitting,
"cocksucking,uncle sam,motherfucker,
uncle son of a bitch".
It's an old song.
In a list
A contest entry
- buk & thee by onerios13.
1300 points, ended August 11, 2008, 14 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
-
I have a Ray but he has three legs...ahem...two that a lady would mention. I know that "song". My dad was in WWII and Korea, I can remember hearing him sing it, and my eldest brother who served in Vietnam.
What a stark reality you've painted with your words. Too bad our Uncle doesn't have more respect for those used in service. Wonder what Ray would have said had he had to take 258 steps.
Damn! Loved this!
I am learning!
-
sounds like me sometimes when i use to wait for a bus...i like the thoughts of 257 steps...who counted them
mal
-
Short, clipped and filled with the requisite fantastic buk-ish imagery.
A joy to read.
-
That last line was genius.
-
excellent social statement.. and an image impossible to miss..
the ending caps it perfectly...
-
Yeahhh...& far too many voices singin' it, too. Good luck in Darcy's contest, my Friend. 
Adding your comment:
1 - 6 of 6
