| Paper or plastic? �Paper or plastic?� You ask with a smile. But your eyes (hinted), no less could you care. Pain, starting to leak, out the corner of your face. Your stance wobbles, for hours have ticked by, without reprieve. Supporting your belly, of a feisty bundle within, Leaning forward, the strain, could now be fully recognized. �No dear, please sit down� I say emphatically, �Yes! I insist. Your boss will just have to understand.� �Next line please, this lady needs a break� �Can I get you some water, please let me help� �I must get back to work� she sobs, as she presses to my ear. �I have bills that are growing everyday. Tomorrow I meet with my lawyer, the paperwork has finally gone though. My kids can�t stay at mom�s, she�s not well, so they�ve got to go too.� �It�s just a fucking mess, why does everything tumble down, all at once. The car, the dryer, and the relationships, I had hopes of classes in the fall.� With my arm around her I whisper �Give me your number, I want to see what I can do. I too, was once in your shoes.� �No phone? Then an address, Tell me, when you will be at home?� Opening my front door, to tranquil somber warmth, Muffin rubs my leg, welcoming my return. Time ticking, echoing, in a hall of grand emptiness, Paper or plastic? No less could I care. Paul Fresco Fort Worth, Texas Copyright �2002 Paul Fresco All rights reserved. BACK E-MAIL This one started out as a fun piece that turned out nostalgic. |