66/365 : words for free

words for free!
words for free!

i'm like a kid
trolling NYC
in the 20's
selling papers
except only asking for
winks and
deep grateful gazes
as compensation.

i know you see me.
i see you seeing me
seeing you.

there's no doubt
in my chest
or worry in
belly that
you need
these words
to unravel
in your hands.

that you're a
better man
with mysterious
love scrolled up
in your pocket.

but someone's
gotta pay
the esoteric
courier.

she has a belly
to feed, and
dignity--
desires
beyond winks
and stares.

there's gotta be
a line somewhere,
between for free
and for freedom,
and she's the one
who's gotta draw it,
even if
she's just a kid.