The actual part as best as I can recall it.
Him: Hello, Company EGH.
Me: Yes, Company ABC told me to call you. I'm trying to find a replacement part for [names small appliance].
Him: What's the part no.?
Me: I don't have the part no. I have a model no.
Him: Well, I need a part no. If I have a part no. I can order it.
Me: Okay.
Him: I can't order it without a part no.
Me: Okay. Well, I'll see if I can find the part no. Thank you.
The fictive part. In other words, the part which didn't happen but expresses how I felt about what happened.
Me,
talking to myself: Why am I supposed to have the part no. I know it
would be more convenient if I did, but isn't it their job to provide the
part no. if I don't have it?
Him: I need a part no. I can't order it without a part no.
Me, what I'd like to say to him: Am I supposed to do your job?
Him, becoming a wise***: I've
also got a some accounts receivable that need to be reconciled. Could
you do that for me while I take a coffee break?
Me,
becoming a wise***: Do they give you guys coffee breaks? It sounds
like you don't even have a job from which to take a coffee break. As a matter
of fact, isn't that my coffee break your taking? I mean, considering if I'm
to provide the part no. as well as reconcile your accounts receivable.
Him: Excuse me just a
minute. . . . Okay, I'm back. Sorry , I had to help the guy whose
doing my monthly sales report. He's an idiot just like you!!!!!!
We hang-up on each other.
Although veterans are veterans, I wanted this year to especially acknowledge those of the recent Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts.
Phantom Noise
, Brian Turner
http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/21535