“flim Flam Man” Poem by Ray Lucero

He was a “Flim flam man”
Cheated folks for a livin
In the town of Spokane
He took, 'stead of givin

One day came a drifter
A beautiful lady you see
A professional grifter
Born of gypsy ancestry

'Twas destined they’d meet
Flim flam man ‘n the Gypsy
To play out a game of deceit
After a few shots they got tipsy

He offered to pay for her drinks
Pulled out a round roll of money
A twenty covered one dollar bills
Said, “I’ll pick up the tab honey”

She smiled, “Oh, if you insist”
He gave barmaid a one for a twenty
An old scam he could not resist
“Keep the change, I’ve got plenty”

He asked Gypsy, “What do you do? ”
“back in Detroit I’m a Practical Nurse”
He said, “That’s great, good for you”
As he snuck his hand in her purse

Seeing what he’d done she turned red
Reached into her coat for a snub ‘38
Shot the poor “Flim flam man” dead
“Rot in Hell you sorry cheapskate! ”

She jumped off the barstool and ran
She’d escape with a small bit of luck
It was clear, she'd be leaving Spokane
She ran in the street ‘n was hit by a truck

Here's the moral, pardon my cliché
Truth be told, 'Crime just don't pay'


ROTMS