easy street

he was handsome

and smart.

strong too.

he had more degrees

than a thermometer.

well bred. but

he was always looking

for a puddle

to slip on

in a store,

for a patch of ice in front

of Macy's.

a bump 

from behind in a car

injured

his neck,

his spine, he couldn't

sleep or eat

for weeks. 

impossible to work.

this is how he made a

living,

lived his life.

not to mention the elderly

and third,

rich wife.