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Pink Perforated Ping Pong Balls

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Alfie was the first son of a billionaire Who bought a golden cradle for his son and heir There was no expense that daddy wouldn’t spare And perforated ping pong balls didn’t feature there On Alfie’s one year birthday daddy thought of Alfie’s birth And wondered what gift he would choose from anything on Earth He told his son, “Please tell me, for I’d really like to know.” And Alfie said in childish speak, “Pee perty peepo bow.” But when he was just three years old young Alfie had progressed His father bought him diamonds, gold and everything that’s best Yet Alfie looked on unimpressed for pride precedes all falls He said, “I’d rather like pink, perforated, ping pong balls.” At five years old, his father said, “You’re five my dearest son. Tell me what you want from me for you’re my favoured one.” He said, “As it’s your birthday, I could buy Niagara Falls.” But Alfie said, “Pink perforated ping pong balls.” And Alfie’s wishes never changed; his wish remained the same At twenty-one he married and his in-laws gawped in shame He thanked them for the gifts but said, “Could no-one heed my calls? Toasters simply ain’t pink, perforated, ping pong balls.” At fifty, Alfie’s ageing dad said, “You have been my life. Your mother loves you, so do I, as does your special wife. You’ve never asked for riches or for stuff from shopping malls All you ever ask for is those perforated balls. “So tell us, after all this time, why all our gifts displease, When anybody else would be the mouse that got the cheese.” Alfie said, “I don’t need all the riches that you think; Just perforated ping pong balls, in just one colour… pink!” But even in advanced old age his wish was never granted Not even by his darling wife with whom he stayed enchanted Once she bought him both the Albert and Westminster Halls To which he said, “They’re not pink perforated ping pong balls.” And when the doctor gave him news that meant his time was near Alfie simply nodded and displayed no hint of fear His wife said, “Folk need cheering up when news like this appalls.” Alfie told her, “Bring pink perforated ping pong balls.” Ultimately, Alfie spent his final days in bed His body was so weak he had a job to raise his head He muttered, “All men have to face their final curtain calls And for my final wish?.. Pink perforated ping pong balls.” His wife said, “Darling, since we wed you could have had it all, Yet all you ever asked for is that bright pink holey ball. Please tell me now my darling, while there’s time, for I’m your wife Why this has been your dearest wish for all of your long life. “You know the saying’s wrong, there are no ears inside these walls So what is it about Pink Perforated Ping Pong Balls?” He said, “Okay, I’ll tell you,” and with that she almost cried And then she did exactly that… when poor old Alfie….. ….. Died!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2023




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Date: 7/27/2023 9:43:00 AM
and... mr flood don't leave us hanging ok and not tell us lol love your shaggy dog stories lol:-) hugs jan xx
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/27/2023 4:28:00 PM
Alas, I have no answers for you, Jan. As far as I’m aware there’s no poop or ‘wind’ involved, so you have nothing to fear. ;-)
Date: 7/27/2023 5:19:00 AM
Only you Mr Flood only you!! Entertaining funny and extremely “ Terry”! Debx
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/27/2023 7:30:00 AM
Thank you, Deb. Any frown turned upside down is a bonus in my book. Terry
Date: 7/27/2023 4:11:00 AM
A very entertaining write, Terry. At first I thought you were referring to "Pickle Ball" because I've seen some people using "Pink perforated balls" while playing. But as I read on...I remain clueless (lol). Cheers...Charlie
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/27/2023 7:32:00 AM
We’re all clueless, Charlie… I think it’s called the ‘Human condition’. Glad you enjoyed. Terry
Date: 7/26/2023 11:15:00 PM
Now I will have a sleepless night wondering why it is all he ever wanted, and why some body didn't get him some ! Great poem, it had me rivetted to the end. Love the title too ! ;)
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Speaks Volumes
Date: 7/27/2023 5:00:00 AM
Your comments are nearly as good as your poems !
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/26/2023 11:55:00 PM
Ah, you must be referring to the new improved, deluxe title! Chuffed that you enjoyed this, Speaky. Probably a good thing that I kept it reasonably brief… especially as I was running out of things that rhyme with ‘balls’. ;-) Terry
Date: 7/26/2023 10:10:00 PM
An intriguing story that stirs the imagination, Terry, love the humorous twist in the end:) great pic to go with it:)
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/26/2023 11:58:00 PM
Thanks, Joanna. Often contemplated poetising this ancient old gag and was finally prompted to do so by a comment from Lin, as referenced in earlier comments (below). Terry
Date: 7/26/2023 6:07:00 PM
Blame me for being the reason you wrote another shaggy dog every day if you continue writing such entertaining stories, Terry. Ilene and I will always wonder about the ending. Lol
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/27/2023 12:00:00 AM
Thanks, Lin. Truth is, no-one has the answer. Not even I. So glad you enjoyed. Terry
Date: 7/26/2023 4:25:00 PM
Oh, you are one mean poet, Terry! You kept me hanging on and I couldn’t wait to find out the meaning of this strange request…..but I guess I’ll have to keep on waiting! Very funny and beautifully rhymed…
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Lin Lane
Date: 7/26/2023 6:04:00 PM
Well!! It just so happened that I read your reply to Ilene before leaving my comments! Lol Terry. I plead guilty as charged. Sentence me as you see fit.
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Terry Flood
Date: 7/26/2023 4:34:00 PM
Blame Lin, Ilene. I think it was she that said she hadn’t come across ‘shaggy dog stories’… well that was a red rag to a bull! Back in the seventies, unrestrained by any need to rhyme, this tale could have taken an age to relate and only a brave soul would dare risk the wrath of the listener. I had intended to risk it further but decided to go easy on you all. Cos I’m a decent kind of guy… and I value my kneecaps!

Book: Shattered Sighs