the stand off

the ticket
that you insert
into the metal box
that holds
the cross bar
that sits in front
of your car
preventing you
from leaving
won't work.
it keeps spitting
the ticket back
out into your hand.
someone comes over
and tells you
that you have
to pay for a new one,
which you refuse
to do, making
the line of cars
behind you angry.
the entire underground
garage is a cacophony
of horns being
pressed on.
you are willing
to wait until hell
freezes over.
you have already paid
once.
five dollars being
five dollars.
it is literally a
Mexican stand off.
finally,
someone with a fist
full of keys
comes over and opens
the gate.
it swings up as you
smile and wave farewell.
the night is off
to a good start.