The Substitute – Part 3

~ Frank Solanki

“Hello, I’m Joe,” he said. “Welcome, welcome
Whatever is it that you’re looking for
You’re bound to find it here
I’ve got all types of screws in this world
All sizes and all colours
I’ve got nails of varying heights
And hammers that go with them
I’ve even got me a drill machine
That can penetrate through walls
Like a knife slashing butter
Or like a sword slashing veins
What is it you’re seeking? Oh, a heart, I hear?
A heart that cries very little?
And certainly feels no pain?
Oh my, oh my, I’ve got pins and bolts to fix everything
But don’t believe I have enough to fix your troubles
You’ve certainly put a bummer on me
I’m no longer the almighty Joe
Take, take my sincere apologies
And hurry, hurry towards the shrine
Where you’ll find a wise, old man
Who has plenty of time to ponder
On all that is and is not
But has very little time to shave or bath
Hasten, hasten, my friend, do not be idle
A woe like yours needs urgent attention
You better not lose a moment
Tell him all your troubles
He’s bound to give a solution
If he fails, I’m afraid
There’ll be nobody left to help you at all.”

I bowed my head and thanked him
He curved his lips in response
I failed to recognise that expression

Support the blog
Unknown's avatar

Published by Frank Solanki

Making the world a better place one poem at a time.

14 thoughts on “The Substitute – Part 3”

  6. I can’t quite put my finger on it, Frank, but this piece was a heart song, for sure. An ode to the talented ones who make something from nothing…and my father-in-law who was taunted for being a ‘tinker’ came through as I read. Thank you so much. 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a reply to revjerry Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.