getting directions

you can't get there
from here, the man says
as you roll down
the window and ask
for directions. he
shields his head with
a newspaper as
the rain falls. you
have to go all the
ways around, go back
to the light and make
a u turn, then go left
and circle. but it's
a one way street, so
you have to go one
more block make a
right, then another
right and then you
are going in the right
direction. you want
to go north, right,
he says.
the rain is dripping
down his face,
there is a piece of
lettuce or brocolli
caught between his teeth,
and his feet are in
the gutter as water
rushes over his shoes.
no you say.
south. oh, well, in
that case, keep going
straight, you're
almost there.