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The Problem That Has No Name, Especially When You Aren’t Paying Attention
from The Ana Issue #1
by The Ana
poetry by Elizabeth Rosas
Location: Fresno, California
“You don’t need all that,” pointing to my big red lips. Thrown off, I hand him his quick pick. “Smile!” Smile?
The door ding donged again, he walks into the 100 degree heat. Sauntering, proud. Fedora tilted. Sunglasses big.
Fighting with rolled quarters. He thought He just saved me from being known as the corner store whore.
ding dong.
“Change for the bus,” slapping a ten on the formica
you shorted me ten but you gave me a ten no, I gave you a twenty… was there a gun in his pocket? Here’s your change for a twenty. Smile.
Penthouse to my left, hidden images of naked white women, young boys and old men mill about. Marlboros behind the register safe while a six pack on Saturday night runs out the door.
ding dong.
I open my mouth, then close it, stop! thief! (in my head) Mops, piss and Pinesol, me in the mirror, I look at my lips. I’m pretty. He’s right, I don’t need it.
Long’s Drugs 99 cent tube of frosty pink. Doris Day would approve.
ding dong.
Big pink smile good afternoon, Sir.
