The Onset of Winter

With the first few flurries and temperatures in the low twenties, the competition is dwindling. Last night, me and Zappa were the only two out on our block. Joe and Kool had hunkered down for the night, Joe's boom box still blared from his corner of the archway, but he was tucked safely under his blanket for the night. Kool was nowhere in sight, maybe dead, Zappa thought. I had my first good night of business, fifteen dollars. Jupah said my act was all wrong, but what did he know. He sat by the newspapers and beat his pan against the pavement. He never got anything except what he stole.

Zappa says I need to fatten up if I'm gonna last the night, but I'm tougher than he thinks.

It is so cold.