Odd To see Saul’s picture Smiling from the cover of An overpriced airport bookshop magazine & not just cause print is dead, Essentially– But I knew the guy Back when he wuz a nobody Same as yrs truly. What’s odd Is that I haven’t known him since In all these years Till all at once He’s gone from no one to someone In the blinking of an inkling Right there next to Cat Fancy Just catty corner to the Highlights for Kids– My old pal Saul has at last Arrived at his identity Even if he has apparently Changed his name to Paul for the papers; There’s no way to hide From the ones who knew ye when. Color me greeneyed with envy Tho not quite a monster To be late for my flight Buying an extortionate biscotti Before the gate closes When what to my wandering eye should appear But the reminder of a pact we made Back when we were both nothing– That someday we would make Something of ourselves, Or else the first one to get there Would come back for the other Since fickle Fate Is such a wishy washy twat Fame don’t fall on deserving shoulders Due to hope & hard work Rather at random With a fifteen minute half life That should be more than enuff time To invite yr old pal Earl up to That deeluxe apartment In the sky-high. Tho something in the crooked cock Of Saul/Paul’s converted smile The brief instant before I collect my snack Suggests I shouldn’t hold my breath Whilst waiting for a phone call.
You have certainly made something of yourself too. And who knows, he might get green-eyed with envy if he was to ever trip over your Substack some day ✍️
The line about the pact made “back when we were both nothing” gives the whole piece its ache. Beneath the wit and envy, there’s still that old hope that success would not erase recognition. The ending knows better, and that makes it land.
You have certainly made something of yourself too. And who knows, he might get green-eyed with envy if he was to ever trip over your Substack some day ✍️
From yr pen to Paul’s ears
I still think you are famous
Would that it were true
Wanna buy five copies for my mother...Better not call Saul.
Wonderful voice over which really carries the piece. I really enjoyed this and have added it to my archive section.
Cheers, my friend
The line about the pact made “back when we were both nothing” gives the whole piece its ache. Beneath the wit and envy, there’s still that old hope that success would not erase recognition. The ending knows better, and that makes it land.
And rather than be bitter, I opted to exorcise my feelings in free verse