The stranger who had entered Murphy's Bar
was dripping puddles on the wooden floor.
He wiped his brow and said, “I lost my car
keys somehow, just as it began to pour.
I need a lift downtown, and I will pay
one hundred dollars.” Murphy rolled his eyes
then shook his head and sighed, as if to say
he wouldn't ride with these old drunken guys
behind the wheel to save his mother. One
of Murphy's patrons lifted up his head
and yelled, “Another fifty and it's done!”
He left his stool and staggered close. He said,
“I'm not the type that likes t' take a chance—
you wanna ride, then pay me in advance.”
