Tell It How It Is

"Tell it how it is," the manager said,
when she asked me to write the sign
and design the promotional material,
"something eye-catching
and straightforward."
Well,
I generally knew the owners,
and the people who were once owners.
I've lived here long enough,
longer then she has.
So I should know.
Yes,
I knew they were no longer with us.
I didn't know if their past possessions
were antiques,
or nearly new,
or even used,
or slightly soiled.
But I knew the one time owners,
knew they were no longer with us.
So I did as I was asked.
It was a snappy caption,
I thought.
Certain to grab the attention of
potential buyers.
Yes,
I always follow instructions,
I explained at my next job interview,
and I know how to tell it how it is.