The Knicknackery Issue Two - 2014 | Page 21

then he shakes his head and sends the driver to the trunk for more stuff--a kid’s skateboard, a deflated inner tube, fishing gear. They layer this on top of the suitcase in the back seat, cleverly rearranging it into mountains and valleys. A soccer ball going flat is last.

Now the driver looks at his watch and motions it’s time to leave. Briefcase follows, but keeps looking back, worried. When they pass by I don’t ask for spare change. They don’t see me. The minute they round the corner, I stash my donations cup in my special place behind a chimney wall. I keep a wrench handy there too. Anyone walking by would think this car with its messy back seat don’t have a thing worth stealing. Except I been watching the show. I hunker down and wait for some corner noise and soon enough two dudes are arguing over nothing that matters, giving me cover for my shower of glass.

by John Pritchett

chairs

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