needy people

the carpenter needs
a nail
to hammer, a stretch of wood.
the painter
a brush, a gallon
of paint, a wall.
the cook
needs meat, a stove
an onion,
salt
pepper, a knife,
a hat.
the lawyer needs
an accident,
a divorce,
the doctor a patient,
sick
and hoarse.
we are needy people.
it's what keeps the world
going round,
and the money
being passed
from hand to hand.