the gun shaking in his
hands like he doesn’t
want to do this but
life pushed him too far
i empty the register though
the bills feel heavier than
they used to—i offer the
grill just lit for dinner
his eyes soften but not
enough to put the weapon
down—i say take the car
leave it wherever you need
this is just stuff—what’s yours
is peace and anything to
get you there—he runs before
i can ask if he’s eaten