his first transaction using change

not

used to being

paid

in cash,

the young clerk stares

long

at the twenty dollar

bill,

turning it over

and over,

then opens the register

with a ding.

where to begin?

he wonders,

looking at the drawer

of pennies

and nickels,

quarters. he's confused,

having never

made

a transaction

needing change. but

i see the trouble he's in,

his head

in a tizzy,

and feel the need to save him.

i take the bill back

and hand him

a card named Visa.