two dollars

"need help. got hurt
at work. need money for food,
gas, and rent. please
help. god bless you."

long dirty hair extending
to the middle of his back. shaggy
beard. sunburned. old shirt.
tattered jeans.

from south florida, he's been
here for about a year. tore
some ligaments carrying
ninety pound drill bits.

he doesn't want subway. he just ate
at mcdonalds. cheeseburger
and fries. he could use
some money for gas. i give
him two dollars.

his dog is some kind
of mutt. quiet and unafraid. tied
to a thick blue rope. likes to be scratched
behind the ears. i wonder
what his master is tied to.