The Call Of Duty

By George F. Horne

May 30, 1989

The telephone rings.
(It's a quarter to five!)
"Please help me," 'Chief';
I'm too sick to drive!

I cain't get a sub.
I would if I could.
Nobody's at home...
Your list ain't no good!

"There's a map on the bus.
It's been changed a bit.
Hadn't marked the new routes...
Didn't git 'round to it.

"If the starter don't work,
Jist wiggle the wires
And tap on the thang
With my old rusty pliers.

"Git a good sub for me-
You know what I mean:
One at'l watch my kids
And keep my bus clean.

"No doggin' the clutch
Or ridin' the brakes.
You know how my bus is
When it gits the shakes!

"I'm shore feelin' bad!
Must be the flu.
I may see the doc...
Yep! That's just what I'll do.

"What's that clickin'?
Ah! Got another call.
Bet my brother
Wants to trawl.

"Guess I'll help him
If he goes.
Gotta keep him
On his toes.

"Well, 'Chief,' gotto go,
And thanks a bunch!
Stop by one day.
I'll buy you lunch.

"'Chief,' if only I
Could have your job,
I'd have it made,
Yessiree, Bob!

@ 2001 Copyright George F. Horne. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.