For A.F.
Just got the first quarter report—bummer!
Can’t really complain. For thirty-three years
(Mostly with laughter, though sometimes with tears)
We’ve done well. Now? We’ve never been glummer.
It is what it is, not so? And Summer
Is over—reality breeds fierce fears,
Our treasured investments, it now appears,
Beaten downward by a deadly drummer.
Cash flow, always our singular mantra.
Why would General sell producers off?
For chrissake, sell the damn losers, cantya?
Don’t stick a finger in, demand we cough!
Prospective (high taxed) profit? No heart throbs—
But loss of cash flow income wrenches sobs!
(5/5/11)