Can't Afford It

Working Wages

“Been here a long time, have you?”

“Most is my life except for a few months after high school when I lived ten miles up the road in town. “

“What did you do there?”

“Got a job. “

“Doing what?”

“Oh, I washed dishes. Then I washed cars. Then I washed dogs. Then I moved back here.”

“Washing dogs was the last straw, was it?”

“No, not eating was the last straw.”

“Why didn't you eat?”

“Couldn't afford to on what I was making.”

“Don't you work here?”

“Nope. Here, I farm a little, hunt a little, fish a little, fix a few cars and small engines for my neighbors, raise chickens, cut firewood, make furniture, bake my own bread from my own stone ground wheat grown on the place here and once a month go into town for my mail and to buy coffee and catch up on the news but no, I don't work anymore. I tried but I just couldn't afford it.”

“Goodness!”

“But I really do admire you folk that can afford to work though!”

“Well, thanks for your time.”

“You bet. Have a good day now! And don't work too hard.”