Theory Infraction

When flashing red lights engulfed my rear view,
I actually cussed, which I rarely will do.
Hastened to consider my excuse rather quick,
I needed a story to make this not stick.

“Good morning officer” in an innocent way.
He asked was I, “In a big hurry today?”
I rambled some nonsense on writing a book.
But, I saw that familiar raised-eyebrow look.

That’s when these words just began spilling out.
I said, “I’ve a theory, here’s what it’s about;
It seems the whole world can be slowed down by one
inconsiderate person simply driving for fun.

If they caused a doctor a ten-minute delay,
then ten with appointments become late that day.
Those ten might pass forward ten minutes each,
to ten other people whom they were to reach.

A hundred now affected by one driver’s hands!
Are you starting to see how this theory expands?
So, I thought to myself, should this theory be true,
then I should speed up, as a courtesy to you.

It was simply an attempt to do something great.
To enable those following me not to be late.”
With a stoic reply he exclaimed, “That makes sense.
I completely understood your logical defense.”

Smiling I asked, “Does that mean a warning?”
He said, “Not after what you’ve taught me this morning.
The reason is simple, my shift ends at four.
My wife will have a honey-do list on the door.

If I could delay her ten minutes I’d enjoy
a cold beer relaxing in my new lazy-boy.
According to your theory, that’s easy to do,
just slow someone down; I’m starting with you!”