on the dole

it was a winter
to remember.
the snow and ice
relentless. our ears
stiffened with
wind,
our noses
brittle in the sleet.
I remember that long line
at the door
of county government
center.
the workless bunch
in front
and behind us.
the old men in long coats,
the women
shifting from foot to foot
to stay warm.
we were young, too young
to worry
about it all.
we just wanted that paltry
check
to see us through.
to get us to spring
once more.