say cheese

don't smile
the dmv worker says as I
stand
and stare into
the camera
for my new license.
they don't want happy
drivers.
they want the same glum
look you'll
have if pulled over
by the po po.
let's try again, she says,
I saw a smirk
on your face.
think of something that
makes you really really
sad.
I don't have to go far
for that, I remember
a week ago or so.
so I do.
perfect she says hitting
the button.
that's the one. very sad.
very good.
what happened?