It Looks Like Propaganda To Me Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

Excuse me.

'No problem.
Hold on.
Just a second.
What is in that package?
Why do you have it wrapped like that? '

It's a long story.

'Shorten it.'

I'll do the best I can.
You see...
Last night as I walked through the mall,
I saw this gift I purchased for a friend.
And I didn't have the time to wrap it properly.

'Well...
It looks like propaganda to me! '

That's exactly what it is.
How did you know that?

'I brought the same gift for my wife.
She didn't buy it at all.'

Thanks a lot.
That's not encouraging.
What do you think I should do with it?

'I took mine to a flea market.
People will buy anything there.
But I can't let you on the plane with that.'

Why?
Why not?

'There are one too many politicians on this flight.
Carrying theirs wrapped very cheaply.
If I were you,
I'd take a train and explain to your friend,
You got caught in traffic.
That will give you more time to get another gift.
And besides...
Very few people these days are into propaganda.
Trust me.
You'll be better off buying a bottle of wine.
And 'then' discuss the propaganda in private.'

Is that what you did?

'No. I wish I did.
I had to listen how stupid I was,
To even think my 'old lady' would buy it.
I should have known she was too clever.
She said she bought all the propaganda,
She's going to buy from me.
She's had enough of it.'

I get your point.
I didn't think it was that popular.

'You'd be surprised how many people are into it.
That's how I noticed yours immediately.'