Shoveling Snow

It snowed and stuck.
My neighbor used to shovel for me, but since he
flipped on me and no longer mows for me
shoveling, too has stopped.

A distant friend sent me the name of someone
to replace the mowing, who also does snow removal.
I called this man and he wanted $30 to $40. I
told him, honestly, I used to pay $10. I'm on the corner,
but it's a small city lot. I asked him if he would
do it once for $15, no, he said, he'd come by in twenty minutes
and take a look but the best he *might* do is $20.

After twenty minutes the door bell rang.
It wasn't the guy.

Two lovely
young girls of color were at my door.
This is very unusual where I live.

Do you need help
with your snow? the the taller one at the door asked.
Yes thank you I do. I laughed. My heart so light and
happy. This was me, once, trudging around our neighborhood
in Queens, looking to make some money.

How much do you cost?
How much do you want to pay? the second
one, leaning on her shovel, asked
How about ten dollars? I said.
They both smiled and said" fine!"
I asked if they were sisters.
no they laughed.
O I said, then I better go find
two five dollar bills.
I gave them both $6
and they shoveled around my house
and both my ramps, and the access
areas.

About an hour later the guy called
and asked me my address.
I told him and said I expected him
awhile ago.

Well decided to grab a bite to eat.
(I had called him at 2 p.m.)
I drove by and it looked done.

Yes, I said it was.
Don't you think it
was a $10 job, I said

Well, maybe $20 to $25

I'll keep you in mind for next time I said.

I hope Latisha and Cheyenne stop by again.
I thank God for them.