That's How This World Works

[couchgrouch]

That's How This World WorksCharlie said to little Billy, "Son, that preacherman's a foolwho'd fall for a trade like that, in a town this cruelstill, folks start actin' crazy, close to Christmastimedollars make the world go 'round, but hearts can turn on a dime"as they left the service, he said "I like me some churchbut you're better off watchin' the streets, cos that's how this world works"Charlie showed up that Monday, for his fac'try jobparked his Nova ten rows back, from his boss' Saabgot called in an oak-lined office, walked out a broken manno severance pay, for the holiday...no cheap canned hamlayoffs on the 'ssembly line, pay for management perksCharlie couldn't bear to tell Billy, that's how this world worksCharlie set up a tree, he bought at Joe's discountthe only things beneath it, were pine needles faded browneven if he knew where she was, he wouldn't call his ex-wifehe sat thinkin' 'bout the sockdrawer, where he kept his .45cos it's in a desperate spirit, where true darkness lurksif you leave it to the devil, that's how this world workswell, a tiny bell rang, when Charlie hit the doorold man stocking shelves in, the corner liquor storehis piece was in his pocket, ski mask over his faceCharlie just stood a moment, then walked out of that placetossed the mask in a dumpster, on the way to churchthe Rev'rend was glad to see him, cos that's how this world worksCharlie traded his gun for, a gift-wrapped Tonka toythanks the preacher for his program, and went home to his boythat present was a godsend, 'neath their tree that Christmas Evesometimes it's not what you know, but what you believeso come Christmas morning, they bundled up for churchCharlie told Billy to listen, cos that's how this world works(c)2006 Robert George