Spare change

Pulling into the toll booth

the sign above read, "exact change"

I was ready, window down, money in hand

 

The man in the faded blue shirt stared

"Exact change," he said

his arms folded, bending his plastic pocket protector

 

The cash extended, I smiled, he frowned

"What is that?"  

"Exact change," I replied

 

"I'm waiting," he snarled as the line of cars behind grew impatient

"Waiting for what, here is your money?"

Pulling a pen from his pocket he waved it at me. "Waiting for you to exact change."

 

Thinking for a moment it hit me

"Give up poetry?" I questioned

"Exactly" he answered and waved me through

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

[Michael G.]

I didn't see this coming at all. A marvelous thought captured in a very interesting way. My version had him with a comb over, too! A fun read!

[willweb]

Thanks Richard...I think that is exactly how he wore it.

[Shirlena]

Have you been coming across a lot of negative statements about your poetry? It happens. When I started writing poetry seriously and submitting it for reviews. You find people to be judgmental even looking down on your poetry because it's not like theirs and some of them very good at the craft. I was shocked to find out how competitive people were about POETRY. I hope you won't let these ones change the way you write because they have the issues and you are unique...hang on to that.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Shirlena, it was just an idea, most here have been very nice with their comments.

[Shirlena]

Glad to hear that ;)

[Rita L. Sev]

Clever one here, Will - so many entities that try to change us... worth it sometimes to just pay the toll...

[willweb]

Thank you so very much Rita for your comments today.

[Vidya Bacchus]

Could this creepy tollman be your muse.I was just wondering.You made me think with this one Will.Excellent as per usual my friend.Never pay that toll you are too good a writer :)

[willweb]

I guess he could be. Thank you again Vidya. Your comments are so nice.

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are welcome Will :)

[Einstein Noodle]

i see him clearly .. arms folded; ink spilling on his protector. :) a very heartless and unseemly change to exact from you willweb! too steep to pay says i!
E.

[willweb]

Thank you so very much E. Yes, you obviously can see him. Overweight, crammed in a little box, abusing his faux authority. That's him.

[Lyn Anderson]

Hmmm. Not sure what precipitated this, but I don't think you should comply with the toll.

[willweb]

Thank you so much KLGoode for your comments. We all pay the toll now and again.

[Matching Socks]

Don't even think about quitting sweetheart!
But good question from David, who is the man in blue?
The bill collector?

[willweb]

He could be any of a number of people who detour our minds. Thank you so much Ance. Nice boxing gloves.

[Matching Socks]

Thanks. :)
I'm getting ready to fight for love...
Have a lovely day. :)
Give us something new to read.

[David Scott]

"Give up poetry?"
I find many poets struggle with this art form. We cannot give up our passions and what drives us. WE can transform our intentions and motivations. We can modify the indulgences of certain manifestations of our inspirations or "demons" as many call them. I like to think of poetry as listen to my angels... and talking back to shut up the demons...
Interesting dilemma you pose here. I believe it is a matter of perspective and scope of vision.
I wonder who the man in the blue shirt is btw? Maybe a projection of our fears.
Well penned will.

[willweb]

Thank you so much David, I wasn't sure if this made any sense and I am still not. I am happy you enjoyed it and I found your comments extremely good and thought creating. Listening to angels and talking back to shut up the demons. That is perfect. Thank you again.