dennis took a chance
and asked judy to dance
she turned him down
so he left town
he had forty dollars to his name
and was bad at life’s game
no use to holler or shout
the money quickly ran out
he found no enjoyment
in seeking employment
and had no solution
to onrushing destitution
he had read a lot of comics
and watched tv a lot
he decided to become a hit man
at least give it a shot
he approached perfect strangers
on the cold city street
and offered them his services
but his gaze they did not meet
they rudely pushed on past him
as if they heard him not
being a paid assassin
was not as easy as he thought
despair’s arms closed around him
but he gave it one last try
and approached an elderly gentleman
with a twinkle in his eye
kind sir, you look too happy
to be quite real, i fear
is there no one on this wretched earth
that you would like to have disappear?
now that you mention it
the gentleman replied
though i am quite respectable
i have nothing to hide
when i was a lad
i was disrespectfully treated
by a man in a top hat
our words grew heated
i told him i would track him down
if it was the last thing i did
but all these passing decades
from me he has been hid
i have oft forgotten him
and from honor and duty swerved
but if you could track him down
and give him what he deserves
i would be most grateful
and reward you handsomely
as from a weighty burden
you would set me free
i gladly accept your commission
dennis replied in a single breath
but, sir, i need a small advance
or else i will starve to death
the elderly gentleman shook his head
and emitted a mighty chuckle
he wore a hat of royal blue
with a shiny silver buckle
you ragged rascals are all the same
and think the world owes you a living
i do not like your attitude
and nothing to you will i be giving
with that the gentleman disappeared
with a final shake of his head
the lights went out along the street
and the darkness of night spread
dennis sat on the sidewalk
feeling very old
his brain was in a turmoil
but his feet and hands were cold
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