Loaves and Fishes in Reverse
I order chicken because it’s cheaper.
They say all they have is mixed fish.
I ask for a medley of marlin and tuna.
They say “How about cod?”
They hand me two bills,
one higher than the other.
I complain.
They explain I’ll be charged only once
and look at me like I’m stupid to not
understand.
I think I won’t know if they’re
telling the truth until my credit card statement
arrives and by then this shop may be gone.
They smile.
I leave and later realize
they never gave me the fish.
9 thoughts on "Loaves and Fishes in Reverse"
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Love, love, love the playful title!
I enjoyed this poem-right from the first line-I am in because I know the feeling. It is like you went fishing, caught me and then tossed me back into the pond with a sore jaw – in a state of awe!
Every day, I look forward to your poems. Thank you for this golden nugget.
Love this poem and this title!
Money is “bread” and fish are “fishy”—wonderful!
I really enjoyed reading this and I love the ending, it was a great way to tie it up!
So good–such a good poet.
Good one. “Medley of marlin and tuna” got me hooked. (Word chosen as a salute to your fun word play.)
The title is perfect! The poem has the pace of “Who’s on first?” It’s sets out the bait, and we bite!!