Billy Pugh

Twas the night before sunrise and all through the warehouse, not a creature was stirring except Elmer, the field mouse. It was 1962 And times were hard on mice. Elmer had eaten this month only twice. Away to the bin he scurried like a flash. He squeezed under the door, and irritated his little rash He bobbed his head up, and twitched his little nose. “I think I’ve hit the jackpot! They’ve got Lays and Fritos!” He scratched and he clawed He bit and he chewed “Gee,” he wondered “What am I going to do with all this food?” “I guess I’ll take some home, then come back and get more. But just as he was thinking that, there was a sound at the front door. Elmer scurried away fast. He had enough warning. “But who could it be?” he thought. “It’s 3:30 in the morning!” Elmer’s eyes stuck to the entrance like glue. The door swung wide, and in walked Billy Pugh. He was a good-looking man, but check out those bushy eyebrows! To Elmer, they looked bigger than what the law allows! He guessed they were to cover those puffy eyes. They looked like vanilla wafers! He looked like he spent the night at Heartbreakers! Billy said not a word, but went straight to his work. He started to load his truck, then turned with a jerk. Now Billy wasn’t a temperate man, but his blood pressure was up a bit. “Someone’s made a mess in here! And what’s this? Mouse ****?” Billy shook his head, and with his arm gave a wave. “I’ll clean it up later, after a haircut and a shave.” Billy’s pockets jingled when he walked. He was a man of great wealth. It wasn’t just his bankroll. It was his pride, his happiness, and his health. Elmer’s eyes widened as Billy crouched near him on the floor. “Eat all you want, mouse. I’m sure we’ll make more.” It was then that Elmer knew That this man would go far. He’d do some good things. He’s shine brighter than the brightest star. The years have gone by now, And Billy shares the simple times of the past. As long as his mind holds out, the memories will last and last. Elmer has looked in on Billy from time to time. He’s seen the new technologies. He’s seen the Pepsi stock climb. He saw him that last day, just before he walked out the door. Billy said “I’m old and I’m slow and I can’t do 32 more.” “No more of this. Let the computers do the math. I’m ready to find my own golden path.”