Paul. Retired.

No longer at the Bank's entrance

Cardboard sign in hand

"Some change would be appreciated."

This was a vocation.

Dedicated hours.

Standing and keeping up

Positive attitude.

And the smiles.

Usually genuine.

Rain or shine.

Shaking cold or

Damn HOT.



I got to know Paul

As I busked with my

Harmonicas, nearby.

When he could

He would drop me some change.

As would I to him.

Some conversation often

To break monotony

And senes of loneliness.

Irrelevance.



Heroic Paul was

In a microcosmic way.

But yesterday I drove by

Him at an unfamiliar spot.

Shopping bag in his hand.



Hey Doug, over here

Yeah that's right

I AM OFFICIALLY RETIRED.

SEE YOU AROUND!



Retired from what?

Asking for money

With a cardboard sign

Held up for hours?

Commitment for sure.

Not to be judged or mocked.