Checkout Counter



He caught me
off guard
Waiting
in line
For nothing
in particular
Just hanging
out
With time
on my hands

“Your number?” he smiled
darkly
One sleeve extended
but empty
Shifting his weight
from shoulder
to shoulder
As I shook my head
backing up and away

“Number?,” I mumbled
At a loss
suddenly
for words
The orange plastic piece
burning hot in my hand
The cipher indistinct
but glowing

“Yours,” he nodded
approaching with certainty
His knowing
dark smile
mocking

“No way,”
I stammered
Stumbling and shrugging
Back
Back
Eluding his touch
his foul breath
those glowing eyes
Ducking
just in time
I hear
and miss
The sudden swish
of a blade
neck high

“I'm not done here.
Not going with you
at this time.
Not ready.
Not willing.
And just not that easy,
my hooded friend.”

He grumbles
mumbles
and shakes his head
Unaccustomed to such folly
He turns away
settles for the next
in line