Money Management

I earn $23 in two hours selling chapbooks yesterday,

that puts me $7 over minimum wage,

which makes my time fill valued. 

I am certain that means

I can a survive a day out

in various Western Massachusetts towns,

complete with transportation, food, and a few wants.

However,

I find myself spending the absolute

last of my earnings

on hearty Hungarian mushroom soup

and something called spanikopita

before joining my family of poets

at our traditional second Thursday gathering.

Moments after last mouthful,

I realize I forgot to save $1 for copies

of still unwritten poem

I plan to have critiqued tonight.

Praying the library takes checks.

Hollywood Does Good

Note:  This is part found, part erasure poem.  It's source is the e-mail the INSP network sent me about an upcoming movie called The Last Bricklayer in America.  

Touching… enlightening … hope… healing… human spirit

Bricks in his family business for fifty-seven years.

poured his

heart…

soul

blood.. sweat…

and tears

into the craft

of forming

and laying bricks…

feels threatened …his skills… no longer

needed…as more and more…

people desire instant gratification…

business owners pride…

low expenses…

quick delivery of product…

over fine craft.

Henry loses his passion…                               for work…                                                    and life

a contract

to make 22,000 bricks

 for a new library..

 dedicated to his wife.

he feels

 he’s just another useless

 old man waiting to die.

he meets

thirteen-year-old Danny Potter.

Danny has his share of problems, too.

His parents are separated,

but when they’re together,

they bicker constantly,

and Danny can no longer

stand to be around them.

Disturbed

by

the

upheaval

 in

his

 life

he

 starts

  

 getting

into

trouble

 

Meeting Henry gives Danny

an escape from the fighting,

a refuge,

a friend

and mentor.

 As Henry’s contract deadline looms,

 he and Danny work together,

 and they begin the difficult journey of healing.