Movement in the corner of the room
By a silent, shifty individual
A jackal in jacket and jeans
The slightest gesture with the eyes
Signals all-clear for the client
Who may casually approach
Stand close by for a few seconds
As fingers delve into pockets
To extract merchandise
In the slim-line paper packet
The swiftest wordless handshake
Between these men who are not friends
And do not know each other
A mere transactional gesture
Enables the exchange
Quickly hand-to-hand
Money moved unseen in seconds
By the casual observer
The punter moves away
To sample his substance
The peddler stands his ground
Scouting further business
Looking for the passing trade
Cruising for customers
Watching for watchers
Blending with the background
Quiet buying and selling
Unobtrusive opportunities
Subtle supply and demand
Open market moments
Final chance to turn a profit
Before quietly slipping away again
Sliding into dark shadows
As if he had never been here
Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2012
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