Undeserved Reward
It pains me to confess the unadulterated truth,
Once I strung together some distantly related words
[and by that, I mean “really” distantly related, too!]
And, tongue-in-cheek, submitted to a poetry contest
Which, surprisingly, I won … First Place!
Feeling rather badly about my obnoxious behavior
Which was rewarded so bountifully with applause
I tried to convince the sponsor I was only spoofing,
I was trying to make a point [no one wanted made]
Surprisingly, I got a note … of thanks!
Feeling even worse, I decided to decline the prize.
I wanted to do the right thing, in my way of thinking,
So, I tore up the sponsor’s check and threw it away
I wrote telling them what I had done, and I got
Surprisingly, another check … with thanks!
By now, I was completely over the whole situation
Which began with my twisted way of making a point
So, I cashed the check and spent the prize money,
And winding up the matter with a generous gesture,
Surprisingly, I sent them a note … “Thanks!”
written February 2, 2022
Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022
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