Private I.

I am following him closely.
Three days now.
Good retainer and expense cash.
Divorce.
Photos with the dummy
And his little Tart.
Recordings.
Dubious witness statements.


Scorned Missus is
A pretty number herself.
Dressed smartly.
Right make-up always.
But now cold, vengeful
Full of horrid recompense
And shame, intended
For the poor Guy.


Why do I do this?
Used to be a cop myself.
Against liquor, tobacco and firearms. (1930’s)
Straight forward
On the street
Or lurid warehouse beat.
Highways, harbour, train cars.


Not the sour Attitudes
I get now.
Matrimonial.
Embezzlement.
Lost pets.
Missing persons.
Neutralizing threats or harassments.
Personal backgrounds on the nefarious.
Partnerships in tail spins.
Fire Insurance fraud.


Everybody lies
Everybody wants my neck
In a noose.
Prove they are smarter.
Fill their own wallets.
Often worst enemies are clients
Or their close ones.


Oh well, it’s a paycheque
And twice a year
Miami time off.
Sun, sleep, seafood, beach, books, broads.
Away from this here Philly.
And the bumps and grinds.
Of my day to day. Subsistence.