I Was Watching.

I zipped my boots, listening to each rivit click into the other. Click, click, click. I took a swig of gin. I'd almost finished the bottle- my third in two days. I looked out the window. The bottom pane was slightly frosted. I touched it, allowing the heat from my hand to melt a finger sized mark in the icy finish. I looked in the mirror, removed my earrings, (clip on, mind you.) and set them on the vanity. Gold didn't match, I decided. I grabbed silver, and met my taxi outside. I took another swig or two of gin and swallowed gluttonously. It had an aftertaste and it burned all the way down. The taxi driver knew where to go. He drove me here every saturday. I had found a place where I could stand generally unnoticed, but still pull in business. The taxi dropped me off at the corner of Third and Main. I paid and tipped nicely, blowing a kiss as I got out. I walked, slowly moving my hips, down to Fourth. I reapplied lipstick once, then twice. I flipped open my compact and checked my face in the mirror. I glided gracefully towards the bus stop, paused, looked around, and walked farther. Arriving at the bus stop, I stopped. I planted my left foot into the ground and popped my hip. Now - I wait.1

I was nervous. I'd never done this before. I drove around the dark downtown streets checking the mirrors obsessively. Red light. I opened my glove box and saw the wads of cash. It had an aroma that wafted through the car. It smelled of lust and sweet seduction- two smells that I very rarely got to enjoy. A horn honked behind me. Green light. The car accelerated quicker than usual. I was nervous. I needed a release. I thought to the men at my office. They went out with women, beautiful women. Women who would have sex no money down. My heart fluttered with envy. I wanted love, but would take what I could get. I was shaking, sweating, and nervous. I saw her standing there, fishnet thigh highs left her shivering in the cold. I could see her breasts through her shirt. I pulled over. Without a word she opened the door and climbed in. The glove box was still open and she smiled seeing it. I drove the backroads to the most out of the way motel I could find. I asked sheepishly if it was alright. She laughed and got out. I guess if you've sunk to selling your body, you aren't too picky on where it takes place. I was still overcome with nerves, but managed to compose myself to check in and walk upstairs.2

I was sitting behind the dumpster, watching the cars drive by; some quicker than others, some stopped at the stop sign, while others blatently ignored it. I saw an exquisite car pull into the lot. I knew this was my target. A car this expensive in a dump like this meant money or technology or atleast an expensive watch inside. She's juicy, I thought to myself as I watched a women with slender fishnet covered thighs get out of the car. I stared intently, noting every move they made as they walked up the stairs to room 48. They forgot to lock it. I tip toed to the car, each greedy step bringing me closer to my prize. I unlatched the cars handle and pulled for the trunk release. Click. I saw the briefcase sitting there. Leather. I grabbed it and turned, leaving the trunk open. I walked quickly and ducked behind some bushes. 3

I got drunk, I got paid.
I came home with another saturday night paycheck.
My hair smelled like sex and burnt cigars.
My lipstick was smeared,
but I got paid.4

5

I found love in that motel room.
I felt flesh against flesh.
I had what those men had.
I never did find out where my computer went, but I can assume it's in some pawn shop down the road from that sleazy motel.6

7

I stole a laptop,
and sold it.
I got money,
I got a fix.8

9


They didn't know that I was watching them.
I drove a whore to a street corner.
I honked at a man in a luxury car.
I watched a man steal a laptop from inside the hotel.
I know their saturday night secrets.
I know their sins are unforgivable.
I know they will not rest until they rest in me.