we’re giving a reading
ed’s used automobile lot in phoenix.
coils of shiny razor wire burn in the savage sun
green coolant in yellow plastic jugs
WD40 & 10W30
& ed’s son turned sixteen today he is filling out his first W-2
gonna inherit the business someday
maybe someday real soon if business don’t improve
a mechanic comes in to catch part of the reading
he’s wiping his hands on his coveralls
he has a ratchet hanging from his belt and many keys
good poem but he doesn’t care much for the essays
stuff’s kind of dry
like a martini
something we could maybe talk about
tomorrow is payday
above his breast pocket is the word “Bob”

it is written in cursive