A tragic tale of just retribution

A tragic tale of just retribution

My youngest cousin, little Neville
Upon passing his "O" level
Got a job as general clerk
In an office cold and dark
( T'was all the company could afford
They were the local Water Board)
The office on the topmost floor
Had a sign upon the door
"KNOCK AND ENTER" how precise!
To enter then knock would not be nice
(In fact it could be misconstrued
and appear to be extremely rude.
One day ,while Neville made the tea
His boss, a certain Mr Lee,
Said " mind the shop, lad, I'm just out
To buy some ointment for my gout
And Lee, then leaving, said, "Alright ?"
If someone comes in BE POLITE."
Ten minute later by the clock
Upon the door there was a knock
In came a woman, old and frail
And in her hand she had a pail.
Neville looked up and having seen her
Assumed she was the office cleaner
The lady, waiting was ignored
While into the pot water was poured.
And sugar and milk were in the cup
Till a loud voice said "fill it up".
The boy replied " just wait a minute
Until I've put some teabags in it
Her voice rang out in angry tone
"Leave that dem' teapot alone
Young man you do not understand
You see this bucket in my hand?
Now tell me true and tell me fast
Is this the Water Board at last?"
Neville then caused her great affront
He said " I'm busy." Whatcherwant?"
"Water, of course, and quick about it,
In the pail and not without it,
Take it from me, then, I pray,
Tell me how much I should pay."
he youth laughed loud ( bad-mannered chap)
But filed the bucket from the tap
Then, thinking he was quite a wag
Produced a large brown paper bag
"One pound a bucket is the fee
But we'll let you have a bagfull FREE!

But she approached him from behind
While he was bent over the sink
Chuckling to himself to think
That he had made a hundred pence
At the poor old girl's expense.
Up went to bucket, water splashed
Around his head the whole thing crashed
His clothes were soaked , his shoes were sprayed
They had to call the Fire Brigade
For in the pail his head was crammed
And, due to his ears, the thing was jammed.
The Fire Brigade all did their best
And soap and hard work did the rest
They made him stand upon his head
And pulled his heels while he was fed
On slimming yoghourt through a straw
Until he couldn't eat no more.
Eventually he was released
And said " I've been a little beast"
So everyone take this advice
When you meet old ladies best be nice
And if the boss is out of sight
And someone comes in BE POLITE.