"Trash Cans"
A wise old gentleman retired and purchased
a modest home near a junior high school. He
spent the first few weeks of his retirement in
peace and contentment.
Then a new school year began. The very next
afternoon three young boys, full of youthful,
after-school enthusiasm, came down his street,
beating merrily on every trash can they encountered.
The crashing percussion continued day after day,
until finally the wise old man decided it was time
to take some action.
The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the
young percussionists as they banged their way
down the street. Stopping them, he said, "You
kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your
exuberance like that. Used to do the same thing
when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll
give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come
around every day and do your thing."
The kids were elated and continued to do a
bang-up job on the trash cans. After a few days,
the old-timer greeted the kids again, but this
time he had a sad smile on his face.
"This recession's really putting a big dent in my
income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only
be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans."
The noisemakers were obviously displeased,
but they did accept his offer and continued their
afternoon ruckus.
A few days later, the wily retiree approached
them again as they drummed their way down
the street. "Look," he said, "I haven't received
my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going
to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will
that be okay?"
"A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed.
"If you think we're going to waste our time,
beating these cans around for a quarter, you're
nuts! No way, mister. We quit!"
And the old man enjoyed peace and serenity
for the rest of his days |
