Microfiction IV

"I have decided," announced Roger, "to take up a new avocation."

Stanley paused, a look of worry slowly engulfing his face. "Not another one. Then, if it keeps you from writing song parodies it might be a good thing."

"And what was wrong with my song parodies?" demanded Roger.

"Lack of effort. The song you started with is rather a self-parody already."

"You really have it in for 'These Bombs Were Made For Dropping' don't you?"

"Have it in?" Stanley scoffed, "Come on, you changed one line, the title and alleged refrain, and did a bit to the first verse. The other verses didn't get changed at all."

"Well, they didn't need changing..." offered Roger.

"That's exactly it. It was too easy."

"I had to start somewhere. Why start with something overly difficult?"

"You were in no danger of excess difficulty, I'll grant, but... it was really your second attempt that shows you shouldn't do song parody."

"You mean, 'These Boobs-"

"STOP! Not only is it offensive, it uses the same tune as 'Bombs' did."

"Well..." Roger changed the subject, "anyway, you will be relieved to hear that my new endeavor has nothing to do with song parody."

Stanley, looking vaguely pained, asked with an air of resignation, "Very well, what horror are you going inflict upon the world -- and worse, upon me -- this time?"

"No horror. I shall break into automobiles..."

"That's wrong!" Stanley protested.

"...and steal..."

"That's illegal."

"...the alarms."

"That..." said Stanley, as he sank back into his chair, "...might just be a public service."