Fate's Footfalls
Way back when I was still in school
I saw the most ingenious tool
They called the thing a sliding rule
A smart man rose out of a fool
It could multiply and divide
Hung on a belt there by your side
I wore a grin I could not hide
Why I'd be famous far and wide
That was when I made me a plan
In no time I'd be a rich man
I'd go back to mesquite and sand
And sell sliderules much as I can
Bought me a thousand, got 'em cheap
Took 'em out there where sand is deep
Planned to sell 'em to earn my keep
They said,"Man, have you been asleep?"
Calculators were in their jeans
A gadget that I'd never seen
Where were they when I was a teen
Fate's footfalls had treated me mean
Maybe I'll hold 'em as antiques
Someday the tears will leave my cheeks
Someday the tears will stop their leaks
But for the sliderule no one speaks
3-3-2018
For Contest Fate's Footfalls by John Lawless
Copyright © Larry Bradfield | Year Posted 2018
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