slight ache in my right shoulder blade
let’s me know stressors have been mounting
building slowly, at first
with a struggling child in college algebra
a wife irritated with her perfect job
an old dog leaving a tinge of red behind
when he pees on leaves
I absorb –
late payment
and a new billing statement
showing disregard for salaried employees
direct deposit on the last day of each month
means the last week of each month I do my best
poverty impression
complete with meatless spaghetti and dry oatmeal –
slipping back
I put on my hustla hat
and try slinging the cure
for pennies and a greater credit score
but the flooded market has everybody sitting
with slit eyelids and orange fingertips --
nothing to do now,
but wait