It was a Saturday afternoon,

plans for the night

drink and party.

I had the keys

the liquor cabinet,

downstairs a storeroom

under the store.

There was a particular case,

you can still smell the stench

spilled beer and broken bottles,

the case was unique

perfect for tonight’s party.

I loaded it onto the back of my bicycle,

strapped it down,

looked at my buddy returning to the store,

both of us smiling,

didn’t ever see the vagrant.

He sat on the steps and watched us the whole time.

That night my dad called,

said I lost my job,

stole a case of beer.

Never got a chance to explain.

Only knew the store owner slapped a dollar bill

in the vagrant’s hands and told him.

‘be on your way.’