My front row windows are half-down
and for once, my radio was sleeping
I did not make through the traffic light on yellow
Engines pulling away across the interaction,
leaving the dusty air and a hint of oil
I saw him, the man standing on the side of the curb
I sat in silence
The light turned red
On a small piece of cardboard, "Anything helps"
He wore a dirty jacket, bearded, a ragged baseball cap
I made eye contact,
and he approached
Two seconds of surprise
Two seconds of indecision
And blanking flat line, coming
The end of a familiar world
What is the natural reaction?
Should I pity him? As reciting a prayer...
Should I bribe his departure? How much is enough?
Should I stare into the distance and limit my attention?
Should I turn up the radio and look busy tuning frequency?
Should I roll up my windows?
Should I give him a hug and get back in the car?
Should I spit on him and curse his transgression?
I looked under my arm rest but then remembered
my changes are stored in a quart-size Ziplok bag
in my backpack but out of reachI looked into my wallet
and there is a single $20 bill
Then I looked into his eyes
"I am sorry. I don't have my changes on me."
He didn't say a word.
He waited for a moment and he moved onto the car behind mine
I sat in silence
The light turned green
At the end of the world,
what would you do?
Are you busy?
Would you save us?
Can you save us?
