Renaissance Men

I knew a man who paid $50,000

For instructions on being charming.

He had the money:

He never finished high-school.

Blaming his Dad was getting tepid.

Nothing blocked his way

To diplomas and degrees,

Nothing but his image.

He made it up the hard way.

Father put him to work at sixteen.

Who needs an education?

He hates his old man, but is stuck with him until death.

My ex bridge partner, Eric, spent 20 years

Making corporate execs

Look like they understood the game.

It was cool for years... until

Eric started pointing out terrible decision making,

In a most insufferable manner.

Clients became unhappy.

One tried to strangle Eric.

Eric quit his gig. Too dangerous.