Sunday, March 15, 2009

Wilted Lettuce

I stood in line for what seemed like hours. Maybe it was the embarrassment of asking a stranger for help. Telling someone I didn't know and who I didn't expect to care about me.

The glass partition separated her from me and the world. Unable to touch my infirmity she was removed. Her eyes were glazed over as if she couldn't wait until lunch. The man behind me reeked of day old bologna and Old Spice. I held my application tightly in my left hand. My knees almost buckled. She asked, "Can I help you?" I answered, "No" and walked away.

My stomach growled from hunger. I swallowed and was full.