(A true story poem that took place Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 in Wisconsin)

With temp-er'-ture near zero and although it was the norm,

my fingers were so icy cold.  I shivered to stay warm.

I stopped at a convenience store to warm my frigid feet.

I browsed a couple aisles there to find what I might eat.

With hunger pains excessive and some water in a cup,

a hot dog looked delicious and it sure would warm me up.

I didn't have much money, so I had to budget some.

I bought two ripe bananas, then I added up the sum.

With hot dog and bananas now to cure my hunger pangs,

I waited patiently in line near where the candy hangs.

I'd wait until I got back home to eat and warm my toes -

but made a quick decision then to say some quick hellos.

Well, Tom is in his seventies.  His mom's one hundred one.

So I decided I would chat with Clara and her son.

I drove up to their farm house but, I had an afterthought -

that my warm hotdog would get cold- so grabbed what I had bought.

I hurried up to their front door, with my lunch safe in hand,

I knew right then, this isn't right- they wouldn't understand.

I started having second thoughts as feet slid on the ice.

I cannot eat while visiting.  Now that's not very nice!

But I was just a little late.  Tom opened up the door.

Too late to take my dinner back.  I stepped in on their floor.

Said I, then without thinking- "Hey, I brought you two a treat.

For each, a ripe banana..." as Tom offered me a seat.

I sat at kitchen table and said, "Here's your hot dog Tom."

And then the 'kidder' that I am, said "How you doing 'mom'?"

I really didn't need to ask.  She looked just fine to me.

So spry and energetic too- as far as I could see.

They lived alone together there and got along quite well.

And we had quite a lengthy chat before we said farewell.

The moral of the story is "Don't be a stingy beast"

for Tom and Clara are the best ...and I had quite the feast!

©2014 louis gander