Protocol by Clinton Van Inman

Just two of you I need to lend a hand
First to measure the rope from base to base
Then here along the wall from here to where
The rope is tied around the ceiling post.
Careful there because all must be exact.
The tale is always in the tape you know,
Just an inch or so an inch here or there
Even one and it would be a different story.
But we can rule that out because here
Is the can he must have stood upon
For he was seen here from time to time
Once it seems to look for work I’m told,
Must have known the garage to be a quiet place,
But still it doesn’t do a business good
For this sort of thing—everything is as it should
All looks typical enough and is in order.
One last entry and my work here is done.
Thank you for your help now cut him down.

© Clinton Van Inman 2011


Clinton Van Inman is a high school teacher in Hillsborough County, Florida.  He is 65 and a graduate of San Diego State University. He was born in England.  He has had many publications throughout the years.  Recent publications are Blackcatpoem.com, Tower Journal,  The Hudson View, Winter 2011,  Inquisition Poetry, and Munyari.com, to name a few.  These poems are included in a forthcoming book called, “The Last Beat,” as he believes Beatniks like him are a dying breed.