The Right Thing To Do

Written 7 March 2014
-------------------------------------

Bruce and Jennie, both were 10,
Had been playmates all their lives.
One day, Bruce proclaimed,
“Jennie… most good men have wives.”

He professed his love for her.
Jennie said she loved him too.
They decided that getting married
Was ‘the right thing’  to do.

So, Bruce went to speak to her father,
Who was doing yard work at the time.
“May I speak to you, Mr. Johnson?”
“Sure, Bruce. What’s on your mind?”

“Sir, I love your Jennie;
And Jennie, she loves me;
But we need your permission
To be married… to be “We.”

Impressed by Bruce’s courage,
He knew this confrontation must be tough.
He smiled and asked, “Bruce, are you sure
You love my daughter enough?”

Bruce’s face became stern, he said,
“Mr. Johnson, let me tell you…
I love Jennie so much…and she loves me.
We’re both sure it’s the right thing to do.”

He was moved by Bruce’s ardor,
But permission was not his to give.
So, quick as flash, he responded,
“But Bruce…where will you live?” 

“Sir, I measured her room;
Then I measured mine.
Hers is 40 percent bigger.
We’ll live there.  We’ll be fine.

If we have extra stuff,
We’ll keep that in my room.
We’ll keep our places neat and tidy.
You won’t even need a broom.

And both our parents can save money 
On babysitters too.
Even if you do things on the same night,
You’ll only need one sitter, not two.”

Mr. Johnson was impressed with Bruce's logic,
But this marriage idea was no longer funny.
He smiled and said, “That’s good thinking, Bruce;
But what are you gonna do for money?

“Why, Mr. Johnson, I get twelve-fifty a week allowance;
And let me remind you, Jennie also gets ten.
Throw in our birthdays and Christmas cash….
Why, we might even have money to lend.”

Desperate now, Mr. Johnson thought, 
“Next, I guess they’ll want a car.”
Then he asked, “But Bruce, what if you have kids?”
"Aawww," blushed Bruce... “We’ve been lucky so far.”
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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

A   Avatar
March 23, 2014 at 1:05 AM
ha, love this... Congratulations... Linda
A  Avatar
March 22, 2014 at 4:03 PM
Robert, , This is a nice entry :)~ congratulations on your win. LOVE ~SKAT~
Dietrich Avatar
March 22, 2014 at 4:00 PM
the last line was the killer!!! Congrats. I enjoyed that.
Mehta Avatar
March 22, 2014 at 10:58 AM
Congratulations on the win . I appreciate the humor in the write, robert
Smith Avatar
March 22, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Well done..congrats on the win
Johnson Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 11:09 PM
Had to scroll back up. Ten years old huh? hehehehehe. Little fart. :) Congrats and thanks for the wonderful laugh. Peace. :)
Roberts Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 10:24 PM
Wd was so funny .....Seren
Dom Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 9:49 PM
"Lucky so far". Congratulations on the win.
Walker  Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 9:24 PM
Congratulations on win Jan... Verlena
Allison Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 8:58 PM
A well deserving winner - made me giggle. Jan x
Jerden Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 6:54 PM
Good one, Robert. I see you converted a joke also. Well done. Congratulations on the top spot!
Johnson Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 6:47 PM
Congratulations on your win with this surprising poem. Joyce
Roberts Avatar
March 21, 2014 at 5:00 PM
it takes a lot to make me laugh, congrats on your first place win in my contest , the only entry that actually made me laugh out loud
Roberts Avatar
March 8, 2014 at 3:20 PM
date written must be on all contest entries please and thank you
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