Food Stamps

Not the colored bills that resembled Monopoly Money anymore,
where everyone in the store would know what they were for.

Now we're given a debit card, more dignity this way.
not as embarrassing to me that on my own I cannot pay.
Even the person behind me in line doesn't know
as I swipe my card--still stings, though.

I think of when I was rich
before I got myself into this humiliating ditch.

I had a Porsche, a boat, a summer house too,
and three girlfriends who said to me (often), I love you.
I was generous and gave them money (often) because I could.
And why not?  They were my girlfriends and I felt I should.
One was beautiful, one was witty, they were all lovable, sexy and tall.
Now I don't hear those words, I love you, and they never call.