Seeing his agitation, I thought it best to leave at once. The seven beers amounted to about 40c, but unnoticed in the commotion I slipped a $10 bill under my bottle -even though I suspected they would just squander it on something foolish like a wedding.

As I made for the door, Maria registered her opinion, "And may the Great Earth Goddess curse you too!"

"Filthy unnatural pervert!" Juan flung as a parting sling, "It's scum like you who would cause the human race to perish and disappear from the earth!"

PROEM

all this gay

game

that seems to be

strike

and run

Best you may! Take what you can!

a superficiality for all

its fun

that seems to me

rules out

love

it seems to me.

it seems to me...

I really now pine

for once upon a time

Yes! a truly lacy

old fashioned valentine!

but then of course we know

in aging we grow

childish

dont we?

p.e. britton

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