It's too cold and rainy to go out and play
But there is a task that I would like to delay
The ritual comes this time every year
It strikes in our hearts much dread and fear
First starts the search for boxes and files
The gathering of tickets for meals and for miles
Forms to collect, publications to read
Finding the loopholes and the rules to heed
Doctors and dentists and office supplies
These are truly deductions, no stories, no lies
Telephone and internet are necessary tools
Not breaking, but maybe just bending the rules
Withheld, estimated, federal, and state
Complete the right form before its too late
Wish for a refund but satisfied with none
Sighing with relief when it is finally done
A fool and his money are soon parted.
The rest of us wait until income tax time.
