In Praise Of Drainers Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

SOPS' LAW

How is it that people with the toughest jobs
Are often the most competent and helpful?
This afternoon, Sheldon came over to fix
The pump on our wastewater system.
He found that the sump was full
So that he couldn't work on the pump
But he recommended a firm
That would drain the tank.
So Gary came over with his tanker
And I helped him back up against the fence,
Having advised Laura who keeps the office,
That we needed 20 meters of hose:
So the tank was emptied and we found
That the non-return valve had been damaged
And that we would have to order a replacement.
As Sheldon's firm is in Lower Hutt
And the parts stockist is in Porirua
It is now too late in the day
To pick up the non-return valve
And we may have to wait until Monday
Before Sheldon can return to fix the pump -
By which time the sump will have filled
With toilet waste, shower water and sink slops
So that Gary will have to return with his tanker,
Suitably coordinated with Sheldon's boss Craig.
Not that I am complaining - I'm grateful -
But as a friend in the business once wisely observed
About the economics of all this:
‘It may be shit to you - but it's bread and butter to me'.