To buy a new lamp, I went to a store
The piano was where it would go.
The clerk said, "I'll have to reorder one more."
So I thought I should get up the dough

In a moment of weakness, I paid in advance
I guess I just thought that I must
I think that my mind must have been in a trance
Too often in people I trust.

Forgetting the lesson I learned in the past
I promised I'd never repeat
To pay for an item I ordered -- too fast
Or I'd get a good kick in the seat.

I soon got the Mastercard bill in the mail
I sat down and mailed them a check
I counted on getting the lamp without fail
Instead of the shaft "What the Heck!"

I called up the store for the latest excuse
"There must be a mixup --- Dear Me!"
"I'm sorry you have to put up with abuse"
"I'll get you your lamp --- you will see!"

The lesson is clear for you all to see
So you don't have to suffer my fate
Don't handle a purchase as foolish as me;
For the money you should make them wait!!!