The Lamp
By Elton Camp
While browsing in the antique store
I saw a box of odds and ends galore
At the bottom lay a lamp of bronze
“To have that old thing might be fun.”
Back at home, I got some Brasso out
It will take a polish without a doubt
I began to rub, and to my surprise
A Genie hovered before my eyes
Another Barbara Eden he was not
But I had to work with what I got
His eyes had such an angry glare
“To disturb me, how do you dare?”
A turban of white was on his head
It was topped with a plume of red
Dark beard covered his ugly face
And purple skin was a disgrace
As a Genie you must give to me
Whatever I ask in wishes three.
“Infidel dog, what you say is true.
Ask as you will and I’m through.”
I wish you’d use Master as my name
To call me a dog is to your shame.
Yes, Master. Is is very easily done.
You have now had wish number one.
I do wish I hadn’t asked for that!
That is wish two, the Genie spat.
Dog, you have just one wish more
Then all will be as it was before
What I ask, you must grant to me
Give a thousand wishes, not three
On the Genie’s face came a scowl
And then he let out a terrible howl
“What you ask, I’m now forced to do.
I never had a master cunning as you.”
So now I think before I speak
And use only one wish a week
My bank account is so full of dough
And my Genie is required to keep it so
So if a magic lamp you happen to find,
Please keep my devious trick in mind