Friday, October 21, 2005

Every Morning

Contra goes in to work
every morning at 7:30 a.m.
Goes in front of the security guard,
who still asks for his I.D.
after seeing him more than 7 years

Contra carries the NY Times
(that he buys from the 7-11)
under his arm and he seems
quite worldly and knowledgeable,
only to disguise the emptiness
of his soul and pockets

Contra knows his routine,
who he will argue with,
who he will send nasty emails
and calls home to let everyone
know that everything is fine

Every morning the cleaning people
exit the building at the same time
where Contra goes to work
They leave and he's in
They worked the graveyard shift
and Contra works regular hours
The cleaning people toil every night
in the empty and lifeless restrooms -
their sprays, mops, brooms, toilet paper rolls,
sponges, recyclable bags and empty
soda cans (still a nickel a can)

They take a break at 2:00 a.m.
while somewhere in the suburbs
Contra is taking a leak in his nice bathroom

Contra goes back to sleep,
and the cleaning people go to the next stall -
"this one is clogged, close the door,
leave it for the morning crew"

Contra checks in again at 7:30 a.m.
with his usual gloomy demeanor
The cleaning people leave the building
wide eye open and full of life
they exclaim in their broken English
"What a beautiful day!


"From "Salt 'N Pepper"

Reo Del Cigarrillo at: 7/15/03 7:57 am