living rich in a poor world

a package of noodles
and some sauce.
that only leaves a little
left
to pay one of the many bills
that have stacked up.
should we keep the
heat?
maybe going without
lights
won't be as bad as it seems.
there's always the chance
the landlord will be
understanding.
how long will it be
before the cops catch on
that you're driving without
insurance?
how far can you get
on $5.00 worth of gas?
the oil change can wait
until next month.
fuck it,
buy an ice cream cone
and sit in the park.
watch the people walk by.
wonder how they're making it.
enjoy the view.
stare at the homeless man
sorting through
the trash can
for bottles,
for aluminum,
for pay dirt.
wonder how that will
be
if you can't hold on.
maybe a friend will let you
sleep on their couch
for a few days.
but your family is relying on you.
where will they go?
you imagine their smiles
and put the noodles back on the shelf.
you put the sauce back too.
time for ice cream.