the fifteen cent raise

i had a job once,

where each

year

they'd give you a Christmas

bonus.

and a small raise.

usually fifteen cents on

the dollar.

quickly i'd add up the hours

and figure out

how much more money

would show

up on my next paycheck.

minus state and federal

taxes, FICA.

i was grateful,

strangely thankful to have

a job. to be

working.

they gave everyone a turkey

too. that was the bonus.

that was gravy.