Both in the baking Sun,
one says “Slow,”
the other “Please Help.”
But one is a hard worker,
well paid, respectable.
The other seen as a loafer,
a scam artist, a loser.
His paychecks tarnished coins,
straight ahead stares,
and the occasional, “Get a job!”

If, as you say, such a life
is easier than working for a living,
why not give it a try?
You have already invented
that man’s story
before you laid eyes on him.
You wear it like armor
against grey truth.

Perhaps one is more valuable
than the other...
We usually have the sense
to slow down in work zones,
but without such a mirror
our true face
remains hidden from us.