Classic Poem

The moment had arrived
This was the day for which he had worked
Hour after hour, week after week, etcetera, etcetera
This was it!

Everyone was here to pay him the homage
He so richly deserved.

His chin upright, he puffed out his chest
The medal of achievement was pinned to his breast.

But then a funny thing happened.
All of the air went out of him
And he fizzled and twirled all over the room
Like a balloon.


(Previously published in Improvijazzation Nation, Issue #42, Summer 2000)