Mantown

There once was a boy who lived in a town that all boys lived in
A place where boys sang, danced and colored with crayons they'd been given
This particular boy, however, grew tired of the singing
So set out to find a better life, one with true meaning

He packed his crayons, some snacks and a good change of clothes
With determined steps, he walked out onto the road
He walked and he walked and after a while
Came 'cross a sign reading "Mantown, 500 miles"

500 miles!? He gasped The next town is so far!
Then from behind him he heard the feint sound of a car
His hope restored, he promptly stuck out his thumb
The man inside asked, "Where're you headed, Son?"

Mantown he replied with a squeak is his voice
The man inside laughed and said "What an excellent choice!
But I'm afraid it'll cost you, how much have you got?"
The boy looked at the ground and answered Well, not a lot

He opened his pack and showed it to the man
"That'll never do, but, don't worry, I have a plan
Give me what you have now and pay the rest later!
For however long I wait the price will be slightly greater."

The boy gave him the crayons, the food, and the clothes
He got in the car, and they drove down the road
He arrived in Mantown filled with excitement and hope
And as he got out signed an "I.O.U." note

                                    ...

For years the boy worked invigorated with new purpose
But in the end he discovered his efforts had been worthless
He spent all his time working and now had none for his riches
His life became a dry well no longer accepting wishes