Sidney Beck Poet Narrative

When the Chips Are Down

WHEN   THE   CHIPS   ARE   DOWN

I’m  no  hero but when the 
Chips are down  I  know what to do -  
You gotta  step up to the plate.

Lived once in a part of town where 
There were only our two houses built  -
No  other neighbours.
Guy next door and me didn’t get on  -
Long story, but I’m talkin’  years, ok?

One Saturday night  five tough kids came 
And began to destroy his flower garden.
He went out alone,   confronting.
Watching  through the window, glad it wasn’t me.
But I figured it was him today, me tomorrow.

Went out and stepped over the small
Fence into his garden,  stood next to him.
Five against two didn’t look so easy:   so
They took off with a mouthful of curses.
I looked at him, he looked at me.

We nodded slightly, and turned away.
We never spoke, but we understood. 
We didn’t get on.
Men are like that.

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