A Traveling Salesman Poem by Donal Mahoney

This traveling salesman
has worn out six vans
in 40 years and he
hopes to retire soon.

Age and illness
are growing concerns
and there isn't a pill
for everything.

Every 20 miles or so
he has to stop for
a rest room, usually
at a gas station.

Then one day he sees
a highway billboard
that promises help.
He dials the 800 number

on his cell phone
and a machine answers:
"Incontinence Hotline.
Can you hold? "