"Dancing and Waving and Working"

He is always danc’n 

on the street corner …

danc’n as a drum major

in a high stepping band

would dance …

danc’n in the 

rain or snow

or heat of the day…

holding a sign that reads,

“We Buy Gold”.

Another sign-bearer

a mile or two away

is dressed like “Lady Liberty”

(although this bearded one 

is definitely no lady).

I have seen him, 

holding a sign that

begs people 

to prepare their Caesar’s portion

through their tax service.

He waves at passersby

(danc’n isn’t much of an option

in a flowing gown).

He, too, finds himself

in the rain or snow

or heat of the day …

holding a sign that reads,

“Taxes Done While You Wait”.

“Lady Liberty” often finds 

that he has a fellow sign-bearer

as a companion … 

one who dances and waves

as cars pass by.

Yes, this woman holds her sign high

in the rain or snow

or heat of the day.

The placard reads

“Hot-N- Ready Pizza Here”.

I never think

“There but for the grace of God, go I.”  

My thoughts are more akin to, 

“There I am, with countless others.”

There is a faithfulness in their jobs

and need for that income

that places them 

on the very curb of life,

waving and dancing and working

in the rain or snow

or heat of the day.

I will always 

tap my car horn

and wave …

or look their way

and smile.

An acknowledgement 

goes a long way in the hearts

of a person who is

“dancing” for wages.

Many do that, you know …

do their jobs well,

with a faithfulness

and a smile -

holding a sign high

that reads,

“You Have Bought Gold in Me.” 

(and in fine print …“my job has been done well today”).

We are all sign-bearers 

standing on the very curb of life -

dancing and waving and working …

hoping for a smile,

or the beep of a horn,

or an acknowledgement 

or a

 “Thank You.  You Shine Like Gold!”