The Web

Again I slowly read the ad
Listing skills that I still had
I knew that I could qualify
If I could tell a small White Lie

The problem was my date of birth
The many years I'd lived on Earth
Was something I could not reveal
I must create an age not real

I hurried to the job location
Uneasily made application
The room was small, devoid of noise
In mid-air now my pen was poised
The time had come, I must decide
How old I was-- and so I lied

Then soon an interview took place
I met the lady, face to face
She read my page, I saw her pause
It was My Age--that was the cause

She said "I now must verify
Your legal status- so may I
Just see your driver's license, please"
My flushing face showed my unease

I stuttered "Oh, it's in the car--
I'll go and get it, it's not far."
She smiled and said, "That's quite alright."
I quickly rose, and then took flight

A famous poet I'll never meet
Had this to say about deceit
"Oh, what a tangled Web we weave
When first we practice to deceive."