The Man At the End of the Street

Thump. 
Lord!

Calm yourself Eugene.

It’s no VC,
it’s just the paper. 

Grab your cane 
and get up now. 
Climb out the boonies
of your mustard couch,
a brown stain on the left armrest,
a legion magazine on the right,
and a Pabst next to the right leg—
the brand Roger would never steal. 

Poor Roger. 

Peep out the window,
all clear. 
Cane up to the door, 
anchor on it,
line up to the door,
left hand sweeps the fake-wood door,
cane out,
right leg,
then left,
and close the door behind you.

This ain’t nothin’ Eugene.

Brace against your cane.
Lean…
leeeean…
so close…
reach out—
Got it!

I used to ruck for miles.

Back inside now,
Past the door
with the proud
Eagle, globe, and anchor,
and return to the boonies.