a modeling career

the rumor
was, that the man
in
the bowling alley,
middle aged
and squinty
in his red vest
and bow tie
would give
you five dollars
if you let
him see you in
your underwear
in the men's room.
ernie who was
thirteen at the time
told you this.
he pulled out a
wad of fives,
and said,
see, I'm not lying.
he wants me
to model
for him downtown
in his studio.
of course
you told your
mother this as soon
as you ran
home, who told
Ernie's mother
which ended his modeling
career.
he never forgave
you although
sometimes when you
open up a sears
catalogue and see
men's clothing,
specifically underwear,
you wonder if it's
him.