Curtis Bauer

In High Demand

I led a blind man astray this morning,
took him to the middle of an open field
then drove away.
I took candy from a child
then pushed him into a puddle.
I took change from a fat panhandler
then told the police to arrest her for loitering.

Tomorrow I’ll give a stranger the wrong directions
and won’t leave a tip after lunch.
I’ll misguide your children
and lie to the priest.
If there is anything else to do
you can count on me.
These are troubled times.

Curtis Bauer
From the poetry collection Fence Line (BkMk Press 2004)

Poem, copyright © 2004 by Curtis Bauer
Appearing on From the Fishouse with permission
Audio file, copyright © 2005, From the Fishouse

Posted on April 19, 2005 6:11 AM