The Need

Some things matter, like a rainy

day in July when there’s a picnic

or a parade. You need it to stop.

There are things you need, have

rightfully become accustomed to,

like the days in the month you get

paid. And then there is grocery

shopping to pick up necessities

you need.

(Don’t forget to add toilet paper to

your list. You damn near ran out of

it this morning finishing up some

important business.)

Needs, we’ve all got ‘em. Some have

more than others, and too some have

fewer. (To say less may sound better,

but is grammatically incorrect.)

You want fried chicken for dinner,

but you’ll settle for bologna in the

refrigerator instead. You’re hungry,

short of money, and you need to eat.

Some things matter, like water from

the faucet when you’re parched on a

hot and sweatie summer’s day. An ice

cold beer sounds better, but financially

tap water will have to do.

You’ll take a Marlboro from a buddy

when you’ve run out of the Salems

you generally smoke. There are those

frantic days you pray for a break. You

need to get away.

There are things which matter, like

where in hell the car keys are when

you’ve got to be somewhere. And

hopefully there’s enough time and

gas in the tank to get you there.

You almost forgot, your friend needed

to borrow the car this morning. And

need or not, you’re damn well stuck

right where you are.

Chris Hanch 7-29-18