The fine. A ten-part limerick…
There once was a ranger named Mark
Who worked in a regional park
He put up a sign
That warned of a fine
If caught at the wheel after dark
In winter it’s dark after five
So Mark closed the park’s scenic drive
And waited for Nick
“It’s this night he’ll pick
Tonight is when I’ll see Nick drive!”
In fact, Nick was long overdue
For what Mark intended to do
If caught, Nick would pay
For coming this way
Mark wouldn’t let Nick’s car pass through
It came in the dead of the night
A car with its headlights on bright
It slowed at the gate
“Come on, Nick! It’s late!”
He groaned as he started to write
The ticket, however, was tossed
When Mark saw the driver was lost
He later found out
She’d picked the wrong route
“The park roads are closed, Mrs. Frost”
She said, “I don’t know where I am!
I’ve never been in such a jam!
Is that such a crime?”
Mark looked at the time
“Just where were you going to, ma’am?”
“To Bear Creek, that’s where I reside
But now I won’t get there!” she sighed
Mark said, “Don’t you fret!
It’s not morning yet
Just follow me, I’ll be your guide”
That caused Mrs. Frost to calm down
“I take it that you know the town?”
Mark said, “Yes, I do
I’ve fished the creek, too
The trout’s earned that creek some renown”
It wasn’t that much of a chore
He’d done such a favor before
His truck led the way
At first light of day
He saw Mrs. Frost to the door
She thanked him for being so kind
To leave his job duties behind
“You’re welcome,” said Mark
“Now back to the park!”
For leaving his post, he was fined
© 2021 David E. Miller
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