> Hope it raises smiles and not bad memories.
>
> > FIVE THOUSAND WORDS
> > (Lyrics and music © by Sharon Neeman)
> >
> > The clock showed close to quitting time; my desk was almost clear;
> > I thought perhaps I'd slip around the corner for a beer -
> > But the phone rang - and I answered - and a friendly voice said "Hi!"
> > It was the secretary of a legal firm nearby.
> >
> > She said "Oh, please excuse me calling this late in the day,
> > But we have a new petition in a case that's under way;
> > Can you translate it tomorrow? Any time by five will do -
> > 'Cause we wouldn't want to give the work to anyone but you:
> >
> > It's: only:
> >
> > Five thousand words for tomorrow at five;"
> > I thought "I'll do that easily; I'll scarcely have to strive,"
> > So I smiled and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
> > And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."
> >
> > * * *
> >
> > I set to work at eight AM; I cut my lunch date short;
> > By five the stuff was ready to be filed before the Court;
> > I sent it off by email and I poured a cup of tea -
> > And the phone rang - and I answered - and a lawyer asked for me:
> >
> > "I've just leafed through your translation, and I think it's very good,
> > And I'd like you to translate an affidavit, if you could;
> > It's the size of that petition - well, perhaps a little more -
> > And you know that I'd be grateful if you'd have it in by: four:
> >
> > It's: only:
> >
> > Six thousand words for tomorrow at four;"
> > I thought "I'll get up early; I've a longish day in store,"
> > And I shrugged and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
> > And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."
> >
> > * * *
> >
> > I hit the desk at seven and I ate my lunch alone;
> > I never touched the Solitaire or gossiped on the phone;
> > At four o'clock I sent it off and shook my weary head -
> > And the phone rang - and I answered - and the junior partner said:
> >
> > "I really have to thank you for a job superbly done,
> > And I'm sure you'll be delighted, 'cause we've got another one:
> > I've just finished my summation, and you know how glad I'd be
> > If your excellent translation could be on my desk by: three:
> >
> > It's: only:
> >
> > Eight thousand words for tomorrow at three;"
> > I thought, "It won't be easy: but I'll have the evening free,"
> > So I sighed and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
> > And you'll send a check on Friday?" And she said "You know we will."
> >
> > * * *
> >
> > I started at five-thirty, and my lunch was just a snack;
> > At three I typed the last few words and sent the email back;
> > I flexed my aching fingers and I silently rejoiced -
> > And the phone rang - and I answered - and the senior partner's voice
> >
> > Said "You really are a wonder, and your talents are unique -
> > In fact, that's why we've kept you very busy all this week;
> > Now, I know that it's short notice, but I have to count on you -
> > For the Judge needs my rebuttal to be on her desk at: two:
> >
> > It's: only:
> >
> > Ten thousand words for tomorrow at two;"
> > I thought, "How can I tell him that it's just too much to do?"
> > But I groaned and said "No problem; I'll just add it to my bill,
> > And you'll send a check on Friday?" And he said "You know we will."
> >
> > * * *
> >
> > I staggered in at four AM; I never ate a bite;
> > But I got it done by two, although it was a trifle tight;
> > I was dizzy, I was queasy, and I thought I'd never budge -
> > But the phone rang - and I answered - and by God, it was the Judge!
> >
> > She said, "I know you're tired, and I really hate to ask,
> > But there's no one in the city that can do this one last task:
> > For I've handed down my ruling," and she gave a modest cough,
> > "And at one PM tomorrow, the courier takes off:
> >
> > It's: only:
> >
> > Twelve thousand words for tomorrow at one;"
> > My mind screamed "No, Your Honor! There are things that can't be done!"
> > But the words came out "No problem; I'll just add: it: to: my: bill -"
> > And it's been four months since Friday, and the b*****s owe me still!
>
>
> Pablo Roufogalis L.
> listas -- funny a -- p0pculttranslati0ns -- d0t -- c 0 m
> listas -- a rara -- p0pculttranslati0ns -- punt0 -- c 0 m
>
>
>
> ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.7/1983 - Release Date: 03/04/09 07:41:00
>
>