After an abscene, you will dig tunnels

A woman with toast colored skin
asked me once "Why do you wear
shoes that make so much noise?"
And I could only say

Because I like to be heard
ahead of time.

A man with hair like candyfloss
gave me a look once and between
the expanse of bodies trying to
stay standing on the subway
I wanted to call back Its not
an affectation- its just a
goddamned sweater.

A boy of seven said to me, just
recently, "Only girls wear two
earings!" and I gave his mother
a smile and said

He's right, but my head feels
unbalanced enough already.