A Ballet Dancer's Dilemma

Occasionally I am startled by a knock at my door So, after carefully putting my feet on the floor, I strolled through to my living room to answer Before me stood a petite, scantily-clad ballet dancer. At first, I stood wide-mouthed in accumulating awe, Then, from the floor, I stooped to pick up my jaw. “We have run out of gas right in front of your house, In a special dance recital, I am the lead’s spouse.” I could see over her shoulder a woman’s hand wave “Sir,” she shouted from the car, “Could you do us a fave?” Could I have disappointed this pretty young ingenue? Of course not, friend! And, I think, neither would you. It seemed to me such a small thing to do, so I ran Into the garage and fetched gas in a long-neck can. “No problem,“ I said, while adding gas to their tank, The little girl apologized, and I heard the car crank. “While you are dancing, I will simply resume my nap. I will be asleep in a minute, fast as a finger snap!” So, helping them on their way to the local auditorium I did not think twice about any polite honorarium But three days later, out of the blue, I did receive A thank you note with ten dollars tucked in a sleeve. FIRST PLACE WINNER Brian Strand Contest Poetry Soup February 4, 2022