on the corner of conroy
and kirkman
a man who didn't look
a day past dirt
poured me a grin
as i poured out
my change for him.

an army green sack
draped over his back
drank the coins
while the old man's
gums roared
the kind of wisdom
that only comes
with age
and maybe an once
of crack *******.

he leaned into the
driver's side window
and said dear
DON'T BURN THE CHICKEN!

*shrugs