The Salesman - Both Audio and Text

A couple weeks ago today, while I was sleeping in, And lay so very unprepared to have the day begin, I thought I heard the doorbell ring and slightly twitched my head… I hoped I had imagined it, so I could stay in bed. But, no, I heard it ring again, and then it rang once more, And there was no one home but me to rise and get the door. I donned a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt and some socks, Then stormed into the foyer where I fumbled for the locks. By now I had been mumbling to myself, “Who could it be?” I feared some unsuspecting fool was just about to see The most perturbed, vindictive dude that they had ever met. I knew that I was on the verge of blowing up, and yet… Somewhere from my inner soul I felt a soothing grip. I took a breath to calm myself, and…biting on my lip… I slowly turned the deadbolt, then stepped back and swung the door To find a person standing there I couldn’t have hated more! It was a - traveling salesman…with a suitcase in his hand! I glared at him, but it was clear, he did not understand. And before I had a chance to say one solitary word, He opened up with the biggest pile of crap I’d ever heard. He stood there like a robot, with a grin from ear to ear, Claiming if he sold ‘just one more item’ for the year He would be the winner of a really super prize. I stood there, stifling curse words, thinking, ‘Most of these are lies!’ I tried to hide my feeling of contempt as best I could, Knowing -- what he hadn’t yet surmised -- he shortly would! Immediately my mind began to calculate --- revenge! Then I thought…I’ve got it……I’ll feign a buying binge. “Well come on in,” I chuckled, “real nice day.” (The man agreed.) “I’m sure you’ll have a lot of things a guy like me will need. “Would you care for coffee - or a soft drink - or some wine? I just got my tax return….I’d love to see your line. “I’ll need gifts for all my kids. My nieces…nephews…friends. The list of those I need to buy for…it just never ends. “This could be the biggest order you have ever had. I’ll bet you’re going to have to use your very biggest pad. “Do you have a limit on what just one man can buy?” The look that question put upon his face ‘bout made me die. “Not at all,” he beamed, then said, “this means I’ll get my prize.” (He still had not perceived the vengeance hidden in my eyes.) “I hope that you don’t mind,” I said, “I’d like to pay in cash. And when can I expect the goods?” (I wanted to say trash.) “Almost right away,” he smiled, “we make them in our shop. We work a week or two and then, a bunch of us will stop “And try to sell them door-to-door…that keeps our prices low. It’s all we can afford to do…and you will never know “How much I appreciate your looking at our things, And how much joy and happiness the income from them brings. “Looks as though I’ll win the prize, for -- he who does the best -- Gets an extra special little hug from all the rest.” He opened up his suitcase and displayed some handmade toys. “Everything we sell is made by little girls and boys. “They’re not perfect. Some have flaws, but - like the toys - they’re mine, And you will never see a frown on our assembly line.” I just stood there…reeling from the anger that I’d felt. Warmed by what he’d said…I grabbed the chance that I’d been dealt. “Give me five of everything,” I said. “No…make that ten,” And wound up buying a little handmade toy for all my kin! I thanked the man profusely…and then on his way he went… And that’s the most rewarding money I have ever spent.