The Limit
Ken Poyner

He was introduced to one of the
New hats at a small bar
On Granby Street. He was in
A booth, having a beer and
Awaiting a burger. The hat
Was with a man well known
At the bar and welcomed by most
At their booths. The man
With the new hat slid easily
Into the bench opposite the original
Lone booth occupant and reached
Up, removed his hat, and tossed it
On the table, out of the way.

Imagine this through the eyes
Of the man without a new hat.

At this point, he was not wondering
What purpose it was that the hat completed,
Nor what protections it offered.
He was thinking: a new hat—
Why does it always have to begin this way?

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