Everybody Don’t Have Somebody

The man in the ER,
sutured and bandaged,
told the nurse there wasn’t

anyone she could call
to give him a lift home.
He said he’d take a bus

once he had a chance
to check his wallet and see
if he had any money.

He didn’t have much
to begin with, he said,
and the guy who left him

lying at the curb
probably took his money
along with his watch.

Otherwise why hit somebody
on the head from behind?
No other sensible reason.

The man said he’d walk
if he didn’t have bus fare
because he’s living proof

everybody don’t have
somebody who’ll come
and give you a lift home.

Donal Mahoney, nominated for Best of the Net and Pushcart prizes, Donal Mahoney has had poetry and fiction published in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Some of his work can be found by clicking here…