Elbows propped on the counter,
hard to the cracked linoleum top,
sitting on a rickety too high stool,
head resting on her hands,
her double D’s trying to spill
over the top of her low cut t-shirt.
Waiting without expectations for
a beating pulse to come through
the aged screen door
and divide her solitude.
Life as a retail clerk at a
century-old country store,
working on school days
during school hours
to earn money to feed her
school kids.
A customer walks in.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey,” she answers.
“What’s new in the ‘hood?” he asks.
Her eyebrows raise and lower,
her head stays on her hands.
After a moment she
tugs at the top of her bra and
straightens herself up.
“Buy something,” she says.
“Anything. Consider it a contribution
to my kids college fund.”
Talking was an effort
she seldom had to make
since the 7-Eleven opened
six months ago and took
their customers, offering
more and fresher items
at lower prices.
The weather, county politics,
children, pets, sports—
she used to be able to
flat deal the bullshit and gossip
when there were people about.
Now conversationally atrophied,
her mouth only formed words
that needed to be said.
Hey.
Buy something.
Dream Girl
Having enjoyed
different lovers
every night for
most of her life,
she can dream
for seasons
of such trysts
without repeating
a name.
Oh John,
Oh Ted,
Oh Norman.
Alex, Ben,
Oh Maggie.
To her I was
November 1994.
Around the 17th.
Fine year,
good month,
so-so woman.
Bad ending.
This I know:
With her lovers
she used to
sleep naked,
flat on her back
and exposed,
attuned to her
emotions.
Now she sleeps
with her dog,
hugs her pillow
and wears a
t-shirt so
Rover can’t
see her naked
and exposed
and attuned.
A different shirt
each night, a
remembrance
of a lover
or a place.
“Property of
the U.S. Marines”
says one, but I
doubt she did the
entire Corps.
Not patriotic enough.
Dreams don’t happen
for me,
and I sleep
with a wool
overcoat,
tweed pants,
a mohair turtleneck,
sweat socks,
and galoshes.
With metal buckles.
Nasty, as fashion
statements go.
But it doesn’t
matter:
I sleep with my
eyes closed.
Now.
