pay day

I remember those Fridays.
punching the clock
at the end of the day, then
the check handed to you in an envelope.
name showing
through the little window.
net, gross.
taxes taken out, fica.
what the hell?
is that all there is?
depositing most, but taking out
enough cash
for the weekend.
to go out dancing, drinking,
eating
cheap food with
friends. gas for the car.
maybe flowers for some new
love interest that was
along for the ride,
trying to make it all last
until the next Friday.
living on the edge in a one
bedroom apartment near
the race track.
235 a month, utilities
included.
it was a simple life back
then, but I don't miss it.
life was fun, but hard.