Today I was at the shell
in Over The Rhine filling up
the company van

Chopin playing and the gas
ticks
ticks
ticks  
away my money

This little old lady appeared in my
side mirror; teeth in a blaze of anticipation
of
hope

Her days of fire, freedom and youth
far
far
far  
behind

In her raspy voice, she asked me for a cigarette
then subsequently for change

I told her I had neither

She proceeded to take my
hand and began to kiss it

leave me alone;

how quickly the beggars change
from love to hate

We're in the same fight;
Mine isn't any easier

back to Chopin
always Chopin