Lottery Tickets and Fake Shits

The speakers
blare 90s hits about
soaking up the sun
and living in the sun

I check losing lottery tickets
and fill the cooler
while outside young money
slips on ice

it's a kind of paradise

I ask my boss for a bathroom break

she scowls and says "go ahead"

I sit in the stall
and plan my next move

a long sigh
then I flush for appearances

when I get back
there's a man standing at the register
he has a dirty White Sox hoodie on
and bedhead hair

he gives me his instant win ticket

"I know I keep getting taken," he says

"but I just keep playing."

NOT A WINNER
the screen flashes

I tear up his ticket
he thanks me
and walks away

off into the ice

off into paradise

thinking
one day
maybe

© 2011 Lee Kitzis