The Hangman and the Rope Seller

The hangman walks into the rope store.

The clerk looks up. 'Not seen you in a while.'

'Ah well, business has been slow.'

'Tell me about it. So what can I do you for?'

The hangman runs a finger across a line of hanging ropes. 'Got some jobs this week. Nothing special. One heavy client, so I'll need a steel core.'

'You not gone nylon then? Renewable?'

'Nope,' says the hangman cheerfully. 'One body, one rope. Traditional like. Everyone is special. I hate that so many of my peers reuse.'

'Well I think you have the right of it there.'

'Besides,' the hangman smiles, 'got to keep my old buddy in business.'

The clerk winks. 'Fancy a beer in the back?'

Paddy Dobson

27th May 2022