the n bomb
Carl owed his job to affirmative action
he had dark skin and eyes of burning butane lamps
that made you wonder what he tended to think about
when he was alone, in pleasant isolation.
“I would like to buy a package of cigarettes”
said Carl, looking at the man behind the counter
who responded: “you’re pointing at the Marlboro’s?”
Carl confirmed his request and prepared to pay
“So where does a fellow like you come from, anyway?”
asked the man behind the counter, counting change
“Nigeria. What the hell kind of question is that?”
demanded Carl, with his butane eyes ablaze
“No, sorry – I only meant you’re wearing a suit,
and you’re carrying luggage, I must’ve assumed
that you’d just got off of the plane
I didn’t mean to bring up matters of your race!”
“Well, sorry to have misinterpreted your question”
reassured Carl, himself feeling much more relieved
“I’m here on government business, if you must know
part of a study on our resource royalties.”
“Have a good day, sir, and sorry once again”
the man said to Carl, as he walked out the door
“Who was that ritzy-looking guy?” asked his assistant
“Just some Nigerian” Carl quickly replied.
Everything is in the title;
What does it take to blow up a city
that all the ‘security measures’ cant
do a thing about.
I enjoyed the poem/tale. And really liked the last line – that was great thinking! What an ending. Thank you for sharing.