"Thick As Thieves"

[sral]

"Thick As Thieves"



They had a routine with both playing a part
one would stand a few feet away from the mark.
The other came up and started blithering nonsense
making way for his partner to pick at their pockets!
The quick-fingered accomplice relieved the owners items
lifting the wallets he commandeered in total silence.
The thieves were both reliant on the other for success
but keep the coast in mind, as the punishment is death!
If they were rumbled the offenders would make light on their feet
and run to their Dickensian den to hide from the police.
It was here they tried out techniques and the items were opened
refining their deceitful ruse as they'd divide what was stolen.
There were tie pins and broaches, tobacco cases and tins,
all acquired in the hope of them one day making it rich.
The places they picked in and plundered for pence
were laden with riches, and more money than sense!
Blue-bloods were the best you could hope to pocket in
because of them revelling in their own incompetence.
Once they'd chose an obvious stooge who's wage looked decent
- a knowing nod and wink was exchanged between them...

The square that day was heaving so they quicken their great strides
while lying in wait to fleece him, hidden in plain sight!
They switch up and change sides, desperate to lay low,
yet inching their way right toward the depths of his waist coat.
Edging a stage closer and with all eyes on the job
there's not a second to waste so they strike on the spot!
Their timings like clockwork - their movement sudden and swift -
and as synchronised as the watch they were looking to lift!
They fluster the stiff just enough to distract him
- one bumping deliberately into him as the other’s distracting.
It’s shoved in his jacket and The Dip leaves unannounced
with his crooked companion left to deal with the crowd…

The easy-touch bounded and raised up an arm
climbing to his feet as he's shouting “Stay where you are!”
The Distraction, playing it calm, did as he said
hesitating to scarper to ensure The Dip was ahead.
“You pitiful wretch, you’ve stolen the watch!”
the victim exemplified as his mouth openly frothed.
“Show me your pockets!”
The distraction had nothing.
but that alone, if they got him, would show he had an accomplice.
“It’s one of His Majesty’s watches!” then pled the deceived
but realising it’s value and profit, The Distraction fled from the scene!
The gentry and regals try to keep up with him
as he heads for his secret bolt-hole to meet with The Dip.
The screams of these rich nobles follow him all of the way
down every street he'd commit to as he sought an escape.
As he nears the corner of Main Street he quickens his sprint -
climbing through the smallest of spaces to give them the slip!
The Distraction signalled The Dip, knocking on the stairs in repeat,
but was instantly distraught when he was nowhere to be seen…

The Distraction tears their retreat up, “I’ll kill him!” he pledged
as the heart he’d wear on his sleeve sinks in his chest.
He thinks for a second as he acknowledges this
- I bet The Dip had heard mention the watch was the King’s!
The dodgy delinquent had dishonoured their code
to prosper by pilfering from one of his own!
He'd took off with the golden watch upon hearing it’s worth
- what d'ya know, you can’t take a thief at his word!
The Distraction’s feelings were hurt as this imposture had cut deep
but he had got what he deserved, there’s no honour amongst thieves!

[Hush]

Fed this in the tourney


Fire

[big baby]

eh nah thx