An 'Encyclopedia' Salesman Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

'911.
Your emergency? '

There is a stranger at the door,
Threatening to harm our lives.
Please! PLEASE send the police quickly.

'Calm down.
Where is the stranger? '

Outside!
And...
Carrying books.

'Books? ? ? '

Yes! Yes!
He's claiming to be,
An 'encyclopedia' salesman.

'Are there any weapons? '

Yes!
I have several guns to protect myself.
But books to read I fear the most.
Please! PLEASE...
Send the police quickly.

'I'd be suspicious too!
We will send the police.'

Hurry.
He's going across the street,
Flipping through the pages...
Of one of the books.

'Calm down.
The police will be there shortly.'