security check point

at the gated
building
the security guard
is huddled
in his tiny
brick guard
house. he's too
cold to come out
and take
your id or
your tag number,
the wind is blowing,
and there
is ice
on the street.
he looks at you
and makes a quick
determination
that you aren't
going to blow
anything up
and waves you in.
shivering
he raises the striped
wobbly gate
and nods,
hoping that he's
right about
your innocent looking
face. you
appreciate that.