A Sticky Situation

My good friend gave me some candy

But I never asked, “What’s that?”

I just thanked him for the gesture

And then, on a bench, I sat.

*

He was smiling from the sidewalk

When I opened up the sack.

Just the smell of it was awful–

An olfactory attack!

*

It was sickly sweet and spicy…

Then I understood the trap:

It was licorice in there and

I’m the unsuspecting sap!

*

I should throw it in the trash can

And set fire to the bag!

The thought of eating licorice,

It’s enough to make me gag.

*

I will bury all the ashes

In a forest dark and drab,

But never eat that licorice;

I would rather lick a scab.

*

My good friend, he stood there laughing

As he watched me get so mad.

I’d like to make him eat my shoe

But it wouldn’t taste as bad.

*

So I’ll wait and watch and listen

For my chance to get him back…

Then I’ll give him chocolate raisins

In a chocolate peanut pack.

****

An ode to petty revenge and my hatred of licorice, and a Vocal exclusive! If you liked this, check out one of my lighter free-verse poems, The Whispers!