Civil Service

the city drives officials
through the grates like
hasty noodles. careful
they might strip the benjamin
to its manner of speaking,
paying so little for re-
commendations or oysters.
they may strut the strut of a
queen, a city block captain.
a grave on the whole story,
a stare started better again,
and you will see. you'll circle
around and be where you first
laid eyes on his suit jacket, the
one that took you in and
made you