on the way home

created Tuesday, August 9th, 2005 10:11:08pm

she removes the keys from the bag. it's 1.5 miles from the end of the
grocery line to my front door. sara is absorbed, intent on placing
each item in its perfect place.  she arranges, rearranges, rearranges,
is satisfied.  she cocks her head, nods, walks away. the shopping
baskets are bothering her.

crescent moon hangs near the mountains, dog star up and to the left. 
the air is noxious under clear sky. the light of the streetlamps pokes
through thick curtains of moisture.  it's another mile home, and the
hair around my neck begins to stick.  

no, no, she says, moving the cigarette to other hand, I don't buy
paint thinner, I steal gas from cars.  the bus turns the corner,
cutting off his reply.  she slips her arm around a tree, takes another
picture.  three boys run away down the side street.  here comes I Love
Surfer Boys, wearing the same pants she wore the other day, her white
hightops.  the baby carriage squeaks.  seven children follow their
mother across the street. i pass through a puddle from the air
conditioner up above. broken windows, busted doors.  

back to rant index