Cold Cash Flow

We thought we could handle it.

We thought it was just paper.

You counted every bill twice.

I watched the clock above the door.

A cashier swept the floor downstairs.

We didn't say what this was

for. (no,

we didn't say a word)

You slid the ledger toward me.

I saw my name beside the sum.

If we take this,

we take the debt.

If we walk,

we leave it undone.

Money can buy us a little time But it can't erase what

we've signed

Keep your hands where I can see Tell me what this cost

you, tell me what it cost me

(what did it cost

you?)

Money can open a locked-up door It can't make us who we

were

before

Your old coat smelled of rain and soap.

The bank slips shook between your hands.