Act Like a Man: A Digression

A stout middle-aged fella has sat down at the table next to me and picked up his cell phone. He has a booming voice.

"Can you loan me tweny dollas. I'll pay you back on Monday?"

Listening

"On Monday...Monday I get my unemployment check."

Listening

"Well I made twenty dollars holding the sign yesterday and I'll make another twenty today and then Monday I get my unemployment check."

Listening

"Yeah between that and my unemployment check I should be able to make it next week."

Listening

"No. I am not going to give any of my money to no woman."

Listening

"It was a fella wanted to hire me to work for ten dollars an hour paintin' some apartments, but it's up in Canton."

Listening

"Yeah it's up in Canton, but I ain't got no car."

Listening

"So what about that twenty?"

Let's review...he's sat down and announced for all to hear that a) he needs to borrow money, b) he's on unemployment, c) he could be working but the job is in Canton (Canton's nine miles from here. No further than from here to West Jackson where he claims to live).

If you're in a tight brother...fine. It happens, but dignity is free.

First of all, handle your business in private. Secondly, get off your a** and find a way to Canton. Have some respect for yourself.

(Nevermind those that may be paying for your coffee and cell phone bill).