THE OLD MAN

was on his back
on the sidewalk
surrounded by groceries
that had fallen
out from plastic bags.
people kept leaning over
to look down at him
ask if he needed help
but the old man
would just flail his arms
and growl
and shout curses
up at the standing world.
old man
why would you do
such a thing?
had you given up?
were you drunk?
was the punishment
you would receive from your wife
for dropping the groceries
worse than the shame
of dying on the sidewalk?
old man
you are the creator
of many unanswered questions