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.