Last Wednesday in front
of the Gap this girl in
a denim mini skirt comes
to me, slaps her hip and says,

Water, you know, was Jesus’
favorite medium, though he
had a thing for rotting skin also.

I think she wants me to lay
hands on her; so I raise my left.

Later last Wednesday, just
outside of the Gap, this Security
Guard in a tailored uniform comes
to me, tickles her chin and says,

Do you always enjoy strangers?

And as I help her again
fasten the plastic around
my wrists, I squint.

I’ve never met a stranger,
only the same lunatic
provoking me in a new
face every day.