the breeze greeted me with a smile, the sun with teeth
austin is the city tourists think it is in november
i catch my reflection in a puddle
should’ve shaved this morning
my pillow made a stronger argument
daniel is pushing his tool cart around the corner
his knuckles tap mine
asks in spanish about how the dishwasher is working
the tongue i inherited from grandma is out of practice
but we manage
the girl who lives down the hallway is a few steps ahead of me
we wait together at the crosswalk in silence
she looks like she’s been crying
my lips part to speak just as the light changes
she gives a familiar wave, but averts her gaze
two salvadoran guys are gossiping on the roof of the bar
while stripping the gaudy halloween decorations
their flatbed trailer is parked against the curb
filled to the brim with christmas tree ornaments
apparently one of their sisters is getting divorced
the coffee shop is a can of sardines
it’s 10am on a monday
one wouldn’t be blamed for wondering if anyone in this town works
i open up slack on my phone, leave it on the table, and open my book
there’s an apron-clad barista sweeping leaves off of the patio
i meet her eyes through the window
