standing in line at a food court
at an airport or train station
surrounded by people
pale gray and dark blue and black
crowded
jostling
dropped three dollars on the floor and bent to pick them up
upon standing noticed two twenties and another three near the same spot
stooped to get those too knowing they weren't mine thinking it's my lucky day
suddenly money is everywhere and i'm stuffing my pockets
trying to be fast but discreet like its no big deal no surprise
thinking i should do the right thing and tell the person ahead of me they've dropped their cash
but i don't
i take the money and go
escalators, long halls, moving sidewalks
rushing to catch a flight or train, hurry
feeling guilty yet elated about my bonus surplus
realize i'm being followed and assume it is the police or security
back halls, fire doors with push arms
sliced plastic partitions and construction coverings
hurry
stumble into a round table of people
they want their money back
they can have it
they take it but still not satisfied
unpleasant
uncertain
knew better
