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)
- Published: March 21st, 2017 05:27
- Category: Short story
- Views: 38
Comments7
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
I do not think so. I think people like that get over embarrassment and continue on. But, thanks for the comment Christina!
Great one WBL.
Thanks Michael!
Wonderful write. To bad the world is full of them
Thanks Tony! You are right!
Welcome
he will never change,and he`s all over the world making his deals,and those newly weds thinking they got a deal
Sadly true Wordman!
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.
Thanks so much Phil! Your words ring true, unfortunately. These dudes are everywhere.
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.
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.
Hear that Goldfinch!
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