the ambiguity of claiming the world confounds me and I suspect
it does too for the guy with the wrap bandaged right shin
as he incoherently babbles

I’ve forgotten his stated intent
his opening gambit his
desire for us to associate his infection

with a need for money distracted as I am by
his graphic description which I refuse to repeat
I ponder his acting ability

and grow confused by my own desire that he speak honestly
as if that were possible while he uses his words
as a psychological tool to construct a sympathetic response and

while I decide instead that he is more simply pathetic
Mark gives him the dollar I save for the next guy
who just wants a beer and who likewise claims that I am a liar