Shaking Away Those Shackles

I left home before lunch. The shopping center greeted me, but nary a soul was in sight. It was a cold and blustery day in the South. I took a seat outside the Piggly Wiggly and people watched. I longed to go inside and to buy comfort foods. I could have easily eaten a big and juicy ribeye steak.

"Where's Big S?" I asked one of the clerks that passed by with an empty buggy.

"Haven't seen him today," he replied. "Strange isn't it?"

I sure could have used Big S's company. I was so lonesome today and was crying out for company. I would have even listened to all the football speak despite my biggest chagrin.

I reached into my pockets to pull out lint and a empty hand. This being without money is for the birds. "You have to go a year sober before I will start letting you have money again," my father had told me the other day. I don't think I can wait a year. I've tried to get a job, but my spotty work history destroys my chances. I don't even know if I could handle a job it has been so long since I've worked.

I left the shopping center and walked down to the tracks. A big freight came roaring by about the time I arrived. It lifted my spirits a great deal. I sat reading a Model Railroader until the sun was obscured by a big Oak -- the sun being my only warmth beside my heavy winter coat.