Smartphone

Intelligence, a diamond of contrasting functionality
decorative elite & cutting tool essential.
Street smarts
intellect’s not so pretty step sister
valedictorian of the Joseph P. Kennedy diploma
in shoeshine wisdom.

A well-established business was for sale
premier restaurant and bar. An ace. No doubt.
Advice commissioned
reports read
All good. Finance raising is next.

En route, a chance encounter with an old work colleague
we swap small talk
and ask of each other’s lives.
Confidence informs him of current plans and
excitement of taking the plunge.
Expectation requests his opinion
and hears only ,“attaboy.”

Two days later, a phone call
the former workmate asking if plans have changed.
“No,”
he has made some calls
has some information – trash talk : literally
the refuge contractor taking away less, “quite a bit less.”

Right angled thoughts and bedside manner
had found a stethoscope
constantly taking the pulse.
He said he had no knowledge of the price
but his opinion was free
if the trend continued, the business would need CPR.

Interest was withdrawn
another party took the plunge, into
the deep end. Foreclosure, then bankruptcy.
Gratitude was effusive
and curious
how did he know to ask?
“Just an impulse ” – smarts, less expensive, more valuable.