We were young and in traffic
He offered work for food
We had no work to offer
We barely had an apartment

Embarrassed in our Chevy Citation
By our conspicuous wealth
We gave him our strawberries
Which he protected with the shade of his body

Older, wiser, and better off
We look forward to a prix fixe menu
He offers a balm to our consciences
We offer cash in large denominations

(2009)