it was unreal and
yet not special at
all

I knew what she clutched in her hands
I knew what she was giving to me

it was simple:
the days tip

just seven dollars

but having it in my hands
changed everything

it made my effort real
it legitimized my existence

I had worked
I had earned something
I had no longer needed to doubt

so I counted it
and I counted it again
and I put in my pocket
and can’t bear to look
at it now

what if it’s not real?
what if I overslept and
dreamt it all?

but reaching into my wallet
I see the seven dollars
nestled there
and
stop my doubting

what a day