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Errand in the Family
by Bruce W Niedt
I get the call
youre in trouble again,
and you need a favor,
the monetary kind.
No phone, no car, no job,
no electric, almost
thats what you say its for,
the past-due bill..
I have no way to tell
whether this money will go
through wires, or veins.
You are near tears, desperate,
almost incoherent,
so again I go on a fools
errand of mercy,
to a neighborhood of plywood windows
where the industries of the street
are drugs and basketball,
houses full of poor choices
or no choice at all.
Your front door has no lock,
or even a doorknob
because theres nothing left to steal,
not even self-respect.
I am heartsick
at how you got here
despite my attempts to counsel you.
I am ready to tell you,
This is it, dont call me again,
till you straighten out your life.
You appear in a sundress and a smile
You seem to have cleaned up your act
just for me, this afternoon.
You give me a tight hug of gratitude
and say you love me.
I get back in my car
and leave you to your life,
having said nothing
but I love you, too.
10/06/2001 Posted on 10/06/2001
Copyright © 2025 Bruce W Niedt
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