old clients

an old client
tells you that he is
moving to new Orleans.
if you're ever down
there, look us up,
we'll have plenty of
room, we'll show
you around bourbon
street, we'll go down
into the French quarter
for drinks and food.
sure, you tell him,
as you load up your
truck. it's the last
time you'll work on
his house. twenty
years, now over.
you shake hands.
come visit, he says.
handing you a check.
sure, you tell him,
but both knowing
you'll never see
each other again.
you give the house
a final look as he
closes the door,
then you roll away.