It’s God’s day off and mine too.

There are tents on every block and back alley now.

As I walk down sidewalks cleared by rain

to get a coffee and newspaper,

I complain to myself about the price of the paper.

But I need that crossword.

Maybe this time I will finish it, although I never do.

In front of the Ovaltine restaurant, a 5 1/2 foot woman

in a drenched grey hoodie weaves and flails

through Hastings Street traffic

like a scarecrow  in the wind.

Horns blare at her “I don’t give a shit” smile.

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