your ad
tiny newsprint
blackens fingers
rustling thumb to thumb
in desperation
announcement of welcome
with open arms
resume sent
laying life
and skills bare
my worth
negotiable
you call
asking for a date
my compliance
time set
your convenience
punctual
well dressed
smarts on sleeve
my own pen
papers inches thick
agreements signed
before my presence
can be acknowledged
information
you withhold
in fear of
stolen identity
required to assume
you are not
a thief
social security
date of birth
pint of blood
now you speak
questions honestly
answered
you are sorry
my time wasted
company policy
dwi twenty-five
years ago
heinous misdemeanor
forbids reception
customers can't
be greeted
by my kind
politely smile
and understand
friendly conversation
stricken with
politics
proud announcement
of your straight
republican
ticket
foolish conservative
laughter erupts
behind elevator doors
how proudly
you accept
same heinous
misdemeanor
from your head
of state
perhaps you are
not worthy
of phones
at all