A Pauper’s Dream

~*~

I shan’t start this tale

With “Once Upon A Time”

For its occurring

Throughout the world now.

~*~

There is this dish washer

A poor family man of seven

Employed at an exclusive country club

On his brake fell asleep

For he had been working

Since before sunrise

Smiling he couldn’t wait to dream

The dream he dreamt every day.

~*~

He dreamt he was that CEO

Sitting at the head of the table

Sipping champagne cocktails

Laughing heartedly

Not being the blunt of any jokes

For he was narrating them.

~*~

On the table sitting before him

Were junior CEO’s

Congressmen, Senators,

Even some of the President’s men.

~*~

Yes they all laughed

They all clapped

They all kissed his ass

They all genuflect before him

Seeking favors with hands out

Palms facing up

Alms! Alms

~*~

Favors were granted

Here and there

His audience that day

Went home with smiles

Upon their faces

The head CEO

Sitting at his throne

Smiled too

As he held court.

~*~

Counting his blessings

A week before Christmas

Multimillion dollar bonuses

Were heading his way.

~*~

He woke from his dream

With a smile on his face

Without a word

Headed to the kitchen sink

To scrub his pots and pans.

~*~

The real head CEO

Wasn’t too blest

For he hasn’t been sleeping well

Suffering with acute insomnia

Not wanting to fall asleep

Seeking help from doctors, advisers,

Astronomers and charlatans.

~*~

For every night he dreamt

Of being a pauper

He died in his sleep

One miserable night

Alone and in the darkness

He feared the most

Deep within his mind

A pauper

Waits to take his place.

~*~

The pauper

Working at his steaming sink

Humming, as he sang a song

Thinking only of the next time

He’ll fall asleep

With a smile upon his face.

~*~

By: William Bonilla

D’Artagnan

12/09/08