Waking up in Wilkinsburg
for the grocery night shift
legs burning to pound pavement
and tackle a new day
designed for bare fingertips
against house hedges along the sidewalk
to feel the cool.
Tear bed sheets away and see
the silverfish scatter. Wind ripped rain drops.
Raining again. Against window glass.
Pack extra socks. Pack the Sherlock
with cherry vanilla.
Today is going to be alright.
Beth is going to try to one up the story.
Tell it anyway in the locker room
because you will, for a moment,
cross the years and share
first times, hanging up wet jackets.
