“Cutting Down the Money Tree” by Jocelyn Spear

“Cutting Down the Money Tree”

By Jocelyn Spear

"There is little money in poetry" That's what they all say And they aren't wrong So I work along To fund my day-to-day I make some art that's quick and cheap It doesn't make much pay But the work's not bad Even if I'm sad When I give them all away In summer I make little charms And the occasional small ashtray And they sell real well In this tarmac hell Under the Texas sun midday For companies I clean machines Every night I spray And when I'm done I make my home-run And see the first sunray For extra work I shovel shit And get close with rank decay It's not that easy And I get queasy But they don't underpay All my jobs, they leave me tired Old and worn and gray But if I quit I will get hit With bills on Saturday