Five Dollar Bill

Matthew West

She handed me a five,

torn and threadbare

as a favorite pair of jeans.

It filled my fingers

with stories:

a toy-coveting

child squeezing it

like a slippery salamander

at pockets depth,

frugal mother with secret savings

in a stuffed recipe box, guarded by

dog eared cook books.

I see pleading-palmed beggars

and slippery-fingered thieves,

merciful donations,

hopeful lottery ticket.

Now the five

rests, friendly,

in my fingers, 

waiting for 

another

story.

A image laded poem by my friend Matt West taken from his book, Thoughts in Defrost. In addition to being a mind blowing poet, Matt is a brilliant songwriter and musician. Songs coming soon to Barnagie Hall.