The Ballad of VP of Public Relations, Donald Weismuller - pt 3

an epic hai-faiku by Joel E.



in which Craig wakes up
Don is complacent for now
clandestine meeting

Seven years had passed
and more hairs than Craig would like
he still thinks of it.

and why wouldn't he?
discredited and disgraced
but he knows not why.

"let them handle it"
the mantra they repeated
"no business of ours"

the case cut and dry
teenagers, sacrifices
blame the media.

but it doesn't wash
alibi's questionable.
confessions coerced.

so much a show trial
hell, the bailiff sold popcorn!
that's entertainment.

what of the machine?
the Fabricator.
their answers the same.

"highly technical"
"it makes things where things were not"
"it's not relevant"

why hide it, this tech?
this tech that has changed the world
tech that liberates

fingers punch buttons
"may I speak with prof. Clemons?"
he plans a lunch date

---------------------

"Donald, my good man!
you did it again, my boy!"
they call him Fireman

trade secrets are safe
millions of jobs are secured
all because of him

it feels good to help.
in his office a phone call.
silence, wrong number?

oh well, quittin' time.
small talk as he grabs his things.
his car beckons him.

sits down at the wheel
seated beside him a note
he doesn't notice.

"number seven, please"
"drive up to the next window"
he reaches for change.

corner of his eye
clad in yellow paper sleeve
pay now, read later.

"do you know the truth?"
and nothing more is written.
finishes his fries.

-------------------

"that's not my field, Craig"
"surely a physics profess--"
"it's a diverse field"

Craig sips his coffee
"but the basic principals
surely you know them?"

"to be honest, no"
"doesn't that strike you as strange?"
"no" the prof gestures

they pay and then leave
he follows her to her car
"get in" she commands.

"you seem trustworthy
so I'll tell you what I know"
knowledge can burden.
---------------------


In the next exciting chapter of The Ballad of VP of Public Relations, Donald Weismuller: answers, or more questions? Send in for the official Ballad of VP of Public Relations, Donald Weismuller decoder ring to find out which!