Smiling Jack

WriteBeLight

Smiling Jack,

Not the cartoon.

A jeweler I know,

A shyster buffoon.

 

Such a large,

Collection of gems.

Keeps them shiny,

Always polishing them.

 

I stopped inside,

His store on Main.

He was helping a customer,

Hand in hand with a friend.

 

At wedding rings,

They did gaze.

A marriage they planned,

Set in several days.

 

Jack was smiling,

There was no doubt.

When out of their wallets,

Many bills, they pulled out.

 

Jack’s eyes, they sparkled,

At their faces.

Brighter than the stones,

In the glass cases.

 

“Send me the date,

Inside I’ll engrave.

As a loving reminder,

Of your day!”

 

Then they shook hands,

And left the store.

Jack didn’t see me,

I was blocked by the door.

 

Out loud to himself,

In a joyful, shrill voice.

“What a profit I made,

On their cheap choice!”

 

“If they knew,

How they were ripped off,

They’d probably punch me,

And, call the Cops!”

 

I stepped forward,

Into Jack’s view.

“I’m ashamed!” I said,

“Ashamed of you!”

 

“That sweet young couple,

Just starting out.

Ripping them off,

Man, you’re a louse!”

 

“There you stand,

Your face beguiling.

How they trusted you,

As at them you’re smiling.”

 

Suddenly, it was then,

Jack smiled no more.

Turned my back and left,

In his store no more.

 

To this day I wonder,

If he’s changed his ways.

Instead, now Honest Jack,

For the rest of his days.

  • Author: WriteBeLight (Offline Offline)
  • Published: March 21st, 2017 05:27
  • Category: Short story
  • Views: 38
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Comments +

Comments7

  • Christina8

    Very good story. I wonder if he ever really did change his ways! I don't know what I'd say if I walked into that scenario. Anyway, great write!-Christina

    • WriteBeLight

      I do not think so. I think people like that get over embarrassment and continue on. But, thanks for the comment Christina!

    • Michael Edwards

      Great one WBL.

    • Tony36

      Wonderful write. To bad the world is full of them

      • WriteBeLight

        Thanks Tony! You are right!

        • Tony36

          Welcome

        • ron parrish aka wordman

          he will never change,and he`s all over the world making his deals,and those newly weds thinking they got a deal

        • MendedFences27

          Nice story, nice rhyme. Honesty is the best policy, believed by so few, dishonored by so many.
          "Smiling Jack," I think I've met this guy or someone just like him. "Not to be trusted," written all over their faces. As phony as their gems. But you have a gem here, in your poem.
          Enjoyed reading it. - Phil A.

          • WriteBeLight

            Thanks so much Phil! Your words ring true, unfortunately. These dudes are everywhere.

          • MendedFences27

            Nice story, nice rhyme. Honesty is the best policy, believed by so few, dishonored by so many.
            "Smiling Jack," I think I've met this guy or someone just like him. "Not to be trusted," written all over their faces. As phony as their gems. But you have a gem here, in your poem.
            Enjoyed reading it. - Phil A.

          • Goldfinch60

            Good write, there are so many people out there whose way of life is to con them out of money, politicians come to my mind.



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