the minor faults of man

––he was quick to defend his passion for the American-made bike,

the bike that had weight and occupied space, and he realized before

any of his grade-school pals that come-hither-eyed Virginia Fox 

was far more fascinating than "best looking" front-runner, Tony Coyte.

––later, he attended meetings reserved for "members only" and one invited guest,

and they say his father was once a committee vice-chairman, having a hand

in stage productions sponsored by the Italian American War Veterans

at the Sons of Italy Hall's main branch on Enrico Fermi Blvd.

––one fine day before the setting of the supper table he shook-out the change from

the old pickled-onion jar and discovered he had racked-up almost thirty dollars!

It's true. he’s known his share of poets and derelicts, attending many joint sessions

for discussions on how to convincingly define which is which, but let him be.

he’s not dissatisfied with these results, and yes. I said: "the old pickled-onion jar".