Joe Flach Poet Narrative

Rules Are Rules

“I’m sorry, sir, but our bathrooms are only for our patrons.”

“Well, I patronize this restaurant all of the time, I am just not eating here today.
And, I really need to use the bathroom, so, if you could please, get out of my way.”

(Funny how I talk in rhymes even when I don’t intend to.)

Not only did he not move, but another employee joined his side for reinforcement.

“Look, fellows, it’s up to you; I am just out on a walk and my stomach suddenly feels upset and I am quickly reaching the point of no return.  Either you can let your silly rule slide this one time and get out of my way, or, you can stand by your silly rule and ruin the lunch of the patrons that are here today.  But you better decide fast, because I am not going to last.”

“Sorry, sir, rules are rules.”

Now I and, my guess would be, about twenty-five other people, no longer frequent that establishment.

Even though I was now covered in – well, you know – I agreed to stay while the police were on their way; after all, my emergency was now over and all I needed was to get home and take a shower.

The police officer was very sympathetic and understanding.

“There is nothing I can really do here.  Next time, I suggest you let him use your bathroom.”

“Aren’t you going to even make him clean up this mess?!”

“No, I think you earned the right to do that yourself.  This man is sick and needs to go home and take care of himself.  A little compassion for his situation on your part could have avoided this whole mess.”

I politely declined her invitation to drive me home – I didn’t want to mess up her patrol car – and walked the remaining two miles home in soiled pants, but with some sense of dignity in my stride.

Maybe, sometimes, rules shouldn’t be rules.  Or, at least, enforced with some sort of common sense.

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John Loving Iii January 12, 2012 at 5:59 AM Next time joe, invest in some Depends.lol

John Loving Iii January 12, 2012 at 5:53 AM Lol this whole mess. Wonder what crime would it be if you fought your way through

David Williams January 12, 2012 at 1:46 AM Joe as they say, rules are made to be bent, they won't refuse next time, ..David

Joe Maverick January 11, 2012 at 11:58 PM A strong write on rules...i must admit i see rules as a money gathering ploy Joe..) there are rules for countries municipalities,, "laws" to enact wars..! rules rules rules..! you know i often believe that well,,, a little common decency and feeling is the best "rule" but 'prhaps that's just me..)

Poet Destroyer A January 11, 2012 at 9:45 PM wow! Joe... I think they should have let you passed by... lol... I don't know about you, but the image is quite vivid on what they had to clean.. ewwww!! I have a restaurant, and i truly hate loaning it to outsiders... But, i do allow it, ..lol... and from now on..i won't "even"deny them water... don't ask why!!!... A great poem. have yourself a wonderful night,..p.d.