A lone wanderer rambles along
the wasted lands he once called his own.
His outward appearance is of a raggedy man,
blistering in the heat as sunlight beams down on
the dusty military jacket he wears to keep warm at night.
But for now, it’s all a bit much, so he removes it
carefully so as to not fray it even more.

It was not enough to keep him from sweating.
He kneels down,
unslinging the duffle from his back and setting it to the side.
Seeking shelter from this heat, he spies
a thick sheet of scorched corrugated cardboard;
positioned perfectly against the wall as to block the sun.

He sits down
fidgeting to alleviate his aching back.
His throat is dried, hasn’t had a drink since last night.
He reaches into his bag, searching for tepid metal and cheap plastic.
He pulls out the metal cup, but the pliable bottle is empty.

He’s got to get that drink somehow.
So he raises the cup,
and speaks out:
“spare change, spare change.”
But his words are only met with pained glances
and hurried silence
as the endless crowds pass by.