Frumpy Smith Drove The Scow

Frumpy Smith drove the scow
      Through the quiet suburban neighborhood
            Beat up old truck
                  Snarling gears
            Exhaust pipes smoking
      Bald tires, sides dented
Gargling sounds from under the hood

Picking up newspapers
      Tossing the recycling into the hopper
            Swaying back and forth
      Across narrow manicured streets

Late afternoon sun
      Streaking through leaf-engorged trees
            Unreasonably hot mid-summer's day's swelter
                  Getting to the recycling
            After homeowners put it out
      But before the town picks it up
Hey, finder's keeper's losers miss out

Frumpy Smith drove the scow
      Through the quiet suburban neighborhood
            Beat up old truck
                  Snarling gears
            Exhaust pipes smoking
      Bald tires, sides dented
Gargling sounds from under the hood


For Conversationa With Walt
Denis J. Kelly
July 15, 2011