’Been a damn slow spring
for contracts in Ottawa. Most of the
government sucking-up clients
refused to pay him under the table
and his quartz watch just busted,
the house painter condescended
with a wary wince
to take this job for the nine-to-fiver broad
in the too-tight baby blue jersey dress
that made her look more like a
Baby Beluga, and who wouldn’t believe him
that the vermillion exterior she wanted
might suit sunsets
but never a condo
on the streets of this suburb.

11/05/2005