photo #1485933

Greg was the only occupant on the bench in front of the labor pool when the rickety old '63 Chevy pickup rattled to a stop in front of him after the police had already checked him for vagrancy. Old man Moss got out slowly and came over to him. Looking a bit disheveled in his loose coveralls, he asked Greg if he was looking for work. When Greg said yes, Moss told him to jump in and pulled away headed south on Main St. Driving past the employment office, Greg noticed there weren't any lines. The line for Social Services was around the corner. Then, he saw hundreds of cars waiting in line for virus testing with their air conditioners running. They stopped for gas, and Moss topped off the tank and checked the oil while Greg cleaned the windows and threw out the trash. They got back in, and headed out of town. On the outskirts of town, they saw another huge line of cars running their a/c's in que outside an old wooden church where there was a sign up outside that bespoke free food boxes. As they proceeded outside of town, Moss introduced himself and produced an old withered hand. Greg introduced himself and returned the firm handshake. Moss asked him how he'd got to town, and Gregg began his story. Seems he'd been working for a construction company that took a bailout, then abruptly closed one night and left town with the money, and a bunch of workers with unpaid wages and without jobs. Gregg saw the handwriting on the wall, gathered all his stuff, and took it to the Salvation Army. He turned his keys over to his aging landlords, explaining he was out of a job and didn't want to stick them without rent. He packed his bag, drove his truck to the dealership, and signed over the paperwork and gave them the keys, explaining he couldn't make the payments anymore. He worked odd jobs and saved enough for a bus ticket to town, which was bigger than where he was, figuring he'd find a job easier here. Then, he learned about all the businesses being closed, and with the lumber prices out of sight, construction jobs were not to be found. He slept at the Salvation Army, and sought any kind of employment anywhere. That's when somebody told him to try the labor pool,though nobody had seen anybody waiting there in a long long time. Moss pulled into his yard next to a brand new pickup and his wife's SUV. The old Massey had been fully restored, and had a full compliment of attachments lined up neatly in a row next to it in the barn. Moss walked him over to the corral, and explained he needed it fixed, and then the barn. Gregg asked where the rest were, and Moss chuckled as he told him he was the first one he could find willing to work. He always drove his Daddy's truck into town and wore his coveralls to keep the muggers, thugs, and winos away from him. Gregg said he couldn't possibly finish all of this work in a few days by himself, and Moss giggled again. He asked what Gregg expected for pay, and Gregg reckoned whatever he thought was fair was fine with him. Moss teared up as he remembered saying the same thing when he was a young'un. Moss then told him his farm and ranch was a full section, and he'd be welcome to stay on as long as he liked. Gregg teared up and thanked him profusely. Moss started walking away, paused, told him supper was at the bell 'round dusk, then tossed him the keys to the '63. Said his Daddy would be proud, and he could stay in the guest house behind the barn. Both shook hands and smiled. Always great to meet another real man.