i'll be back to work in no time

i go down to the shelter to ladle
soup
and see my friend
jake
the snake.
he's in the corner, about half the size
of the last time
i saw him.
stitches in his head
where they removed a brain
tumor. there's a cigarette
in his hand,
and a hidden can of beer
in his lap.
he's in a wheel chair
being pushed by a young nurse.
meet my new girlfriend
he laughs,
and points behind him.
she smiles, but says nothing.
clam chowder today, he says.
grab a bowl.
and some crackers. it's all
paid for. it's free.
no charge.
get a big bowl.
i'll be out of here before
you know it.
back to work. don't worry
about me.