Fingerprint Failure

Applying for teacher certification
I caused one technician much consternation

My fingerprints had simply not registered
Again and again the test he administered

“Guess you could have had a career in crime,”
He retorted reapplying ink grime

He said this had never happened before
But the results he surely couldn’t ignore

He sent me to an experienced tester
Who made many cracks, joked like a jester

He claimed my blank prints were quite unique
Turned over my hands just to take a peek

The delicate lines could scarcely be seen
And the fingers themselves were awfully lean

“What work do you do?” he asked with a scowl
As he removed the ink with a towel

“I now type 82 words per minute,
Most of my life I’ve been immersed in it"

My helpless fingers were worn to the bone
And my tester let out a mournful groan

Apparently pounding on my keyboard
Had produced an undesired reward

Faint thumbprints revealed no criminal record
And I won an overachiever award

Typing is essential to the work I do
Next time they need prints, I’ll remove my shoes


** True story for the Finger Frenzy contest
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

12
Neels Avatar
August 9, 2010 at 8:24 AM
Hey Carolyn, so this means I've got to watch my typing speed as well and stay away from my pc as often as possible? Just kidding, this was an awesome one to discover, made me :) enjoy the rest of your Monday, love Wilma
Freeman Avatar
June 17, 2010 at 8:30 PM
Sounds like a good one Carolyn. Haaaaaaaa! Good luck in the contest, my friend. Agape, Moses
Harrison Avatar
June 17, 2010 at 4:56 PM
What a fabulous write. Never knew that would do it. What a fast typist too!
Conway Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 8:10 PM
That is priceless! What a funny story- I even read it outloud to my husband- You had us both rolling!~Tirzah~
Culverhouse Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 5:21 PM
funny poem!!
Peranteau Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Very funny Carolyn ! I like this very much ! james
Cwiak Avatar
June 15, 2010 at 9:03 AM
Wonderfully funny write! Congrats on the win. Dan C
Keogh Jr. Avatar
June 13, 2010 at 7:19 PM
" Delicate lines" actually sums up my image of you in my head. Astral projection or fond whimsy?! You did a good job on this and I actually laughed at the life of crime line. Good luck! Regards, Gerard.
Haick Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 6:09 PM
82 wpm!! Amazing Carolyn! Haven't done any fingerprinting lately, but mine could be as worn as yours...never knew they could wear out, you know? 60 is my top speed and I can imagine how our fingers complain! Also love the bit of humor at the end!! Another great entry for the "Finger Frenzy Contest! Love, Audrey
K. Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 5:55 PM
oh wow, Carolyn! that's really something I can only hope to even type 40wpm!!! and your last 2 lines sure made me laugh--what is your work btw?? sending you soupmail after this ;) --congrats on your win!--nikko :)
Fraser Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 8:45 AM
The last line is a beauty Carolyn, what a picture that would be. Many congrats on your win >> James
Richards Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 8:16 AM
I would have placed this one higher on the winner's list, Carolyn. I love that last line!!!!! ps....many thanks for the 2nd place in your limerick contest........that was a fun contest, and provided some lighter moments on the Soup page!! thanks so much!! Love, Carrie
Knop Avatar
June 12, 2010 at 6:40 AM
Really, what a funny story, Carolyn!!! First my congrats to you on your win. You'll need fingerprints just for a simple application??? That would be impossible here in Germany and nobody would hagree to that. The issue nuew Passports here but a fingerpring is only made if you agree to that! Thank you again for your kind comments...Love, Gert
Green Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 11:29 PM
I liked this one from the beginning. Congrats on your win.
Sweetheart Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 10:58 PM
Congrats on your success in my contest with this true to life story .. appreciate your support of my contest.. with luv.. Linda-Marie..
Budd Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 2:59 PM
Haha, what a cute story. Got a good laugh out of that one. Best of luck in the contest.
Spence Sr Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 10:30 AM
I just love it. Some of those testers need to be tested themselves. They should be given one of a different kind; if you know what I mean? Great job! Joseph
Esquire Avatar
June 11, 2010 at 3:49 AM
Dear Carolyn, Great Write, YOUR POEMS are always so addictive once YOU start reading them YOU have to read it again GOOD LUCK in the contest YOUR Liege ALWAYS...HG
Byrne Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM
unusual poem .......interesting!
Dietrich Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 6:13 PM
VERY good one, and hey, guess what? In CA, they could not get MY prints either. I had a bad case of exzema. It had somehow made it impossible for them to get a good print on one or two of my fingers!! this was funny for sure!
Austin Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 3:24 PM
I understand that the big toe will give you away every time. I'll have you know that I can type 85 words a minute and with only 45 mistakes. Great write, Carolyn. Love, Dave
Ahmad Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 2:10 PM
Excellent Write! Thanks for commenting on my poem "A Tale of the Helpless Child"....well, I agree with you but this event is true and unfortunately, I am the victim...hahaha.... I can't forget that goddamned day... I thought I would die, I was just 5 or 6 years when that happened....I couldn't come out of it for years and I didn't tell that to anyone...and sometimes, your childhood haunts you, no matter how hard you try....so, it came out in this way... :) May God bless all the children!
Loveless Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 11:20 AM
go ahead, do it. im not a premium member, i dont have the money for it. but i want to spread the word about this child.
Henderson Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 10:39 AM
I like the last line best. Charles Soup mail back at you
Chachere Avatar
June 10, 2010 at 10:35 AM
lol.(: thats amazing, you had to be pounding hard for that to happen! i've met someone like you. i swear, this girl beats the keyboard with her fingers like she's angry.haha.i don't think she realizes it. -Always&Forever Lynette
12
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace