Fare

Hailing a cab with the last of my cash,
Another night sleeps with the rising sun,
Bone weary and hungry I beg a ride home,
Though I am short a dollar or ten -
- offer up the rest in kind.

Yellow light dims 'Off Duty'
No bags to toss in the rear,
Front passenger door clicks open,
Tattered rags for clothing slide in,
Seat belt forgotten as tires peel away.

Stained teeth grin in a weathered face,
"Where is home my darling sweet?"
I bow my head as my heart cringes,
An old pet name haunts me even here;
Address proffered for actions bartered.

The daily morning press ran the news:
An Off Duty Cabbie And His Fare;
Had I but seen the paper just once,
Would I be alive and free of bonds
Or still bound but in another John's bed?