Recycling Man

An old man, who walks with a stick,
wanders through my neighborhood
toothless and wearing one shoe.
He sifts through recycling bins
searching for coupons
and discarded cans.
He wears the tabs around his neck
as a calendar.
Counting the days until it all folds
in on itself.

He wants to fold in
on himself.

I bought a case of soda
and left the empty cans in my recycling bin.
A pair of tube socks on top.
I have no coupons to give. I used the money
I saved on pizza specials to by the socks and soda.
Because I think it is not time for him to fold.
But who am I to say when I use coffee and wine
as a paperweight for myself.