A little background on this poem... it's inspired by the song by the Decemberists The Mariner's Revenge Song, and even fits with the music for the most part. If you want to sing this poem of mine to its tune, feel free to listen along here to the original to get the music down.
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The Partner’s Revenge
Austin Ballard
Sir, would it
be a crime
To take some of
your time?
Just take a
look behind that pane.
All calm and
nonchalant
Inside that
restaurant,
And here am I
out in the rain.
Sir, do you
think it’s fair
That he sits in
his chair,
And I must
suffer in the cold?
It makes no
sense to me,
Under this
sopping tree—
I guess our
story’d best be told.
Years ago, that
man you saw was a friend of mine.
But alas, our
friendship never stood the test of time…
We were the
best of mates,
Building
bridges and city gates—
Perhaps you’ve
heard our company’s creed.
Our every
profit shared,
Our business
unimpaired
By selfish
envy, spite or greed.
Then one day my
friend and I made a new advance.
The key to
challenging our rivals’ business stance…
But then behind
my back
That friend of
mine attacked,
And claimed the
credit all his own.
He grew to
wealth and fame,
The firm forgot
my name,
And I was left
a beggar all alone.
Funny how quick
a man’s renown can all disappear…
Dragged away,
his laugh the last thing I could hear…
Oh look—Is this
his car?
With its window
ajar?
Looks like,
indeed, there’s Providence!
I’ll drop a
present in—
A pleasant gift
for him
Something to
prove the wretch he is.
The deed’s
already done!
It’s time for
me to run—
You’re free to
tell them if you’d like.
But what’s an
eyewitness
To a man who
doesn’t exist?
Such a
beautiful counter-strike!
