did’ya get the birthday card I sent ya…, she asked…, told her yes…smiled on the other end of the phone…,I thought ya’d like it…just somethin’ kinda’ funny I saw at the drug store…figured I’d pick it up and send it to ya there at the shelter…ya’ move ’round so much…knew I was taken a chance…, she laughed…

where’dya get the idea ’bout clowns…, i asked her…, didn’t ya’ know i always hated clowns…, again she let out a laugh…high pitched…just a short little laugh…, the $20 is gonna’ come in handy…, i told her…, i’ll spend it wisely…

go-on out and get yourself a meal tonight with it…what’ll $20 getcha in New York City…certainly not a steak…,there was an awkward silence…, think we’ll ever see each other again…, again…there was silence…

i don’t know…not countin’ on it…you got your ways ’bout ya’ and i got mine…, told her…, ‘sides…like ya’ said…i never know where i’m gonna’ be from one day to the next…could wind up in Pueblo for all i know…

Pueblo…what would ya’ be doin’ in Pueblo…

just sayin’…just sayin’…

why don’t ya’ get on home and let some people take care of ya’ for a change…seems a shame…ya’ got family…ain’t family ‘spose to take care of one another…

not gonna’ have that conversation…thanks for the card…

you’re welcome…

bye now…

bye…