I met him there

there on the sidewalk

sitting against the wall

of the ramshackle bar

Bedraggled one would say

in describing his condition

his weathered cardboard sign

declaring "Anything…God bless"

"You're the dream doc, aren't you?"

he announced, extending his hand

shaking it, I said, "Yes, how did you know?"

"They say you always wear owl shirts."

"Yes, it's true. My totem animal. You have one?"

"What's a totem?" I sat down beside him.

"Well, if you were an animal, what would you be?"

"Hey man, I'm just a bum. They call me Crazy Gus."

"Well, Mr. Crazy Gus, do you dream of any animals?"

"Nah, I can't remember dreams worth shit, no…nothing."

"Wait. Awhile back, months maybe. It was an elephant.

It was standing on its hind legs and it was a funny blue.

Must have been the stuff I was using. Crazy, like they call me."

"OK Gus, for now, your totem is a blue elephant. Name him."

"Max. Just popped in my head when you asked. Max. Yes."

I got up, shook hands, and said, keep Max close. Mr. Gus."