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