Dirty Nickel

Since the old man smelled
Of musty, homeless years,
His nickel did not work as well
As those dropped in the moneybox
By more prosperous passengers, who were
Greatly offended by his lack of affluence.

Incensed, the bus driver refused
To start the engine with someone aboard
Who needed the ride so desperately.

The driver's thoughtlessness determined
For himself a much worse fate
Than the old man's endless struggle
Manifested in his stumbling gait.