the toll booth operator

i fall in love

with the toll booth woman

heading

west on 66 towards

the mountains.

she's round shouldered

and has a shock

of red hair like

medusa.

she looks bosomy 

and bold.

i take my time as i dig

out the change

in order to get the striped

gate to rise

and let me pass.

how are you today?

i ask her,

looking into her eyes,

that are deep

wells of

love and humanity.

she looks at me.

weren't you just through

here a few minutes ago?

maybe you should think

about a speed pass.

i smile, but then

i wouldn't get to talk to you,

i tell her.

she laughs and pushes

the button to let

the gate open.

this ones on me, she says.

giving me a playful

wink.

see you tomorrow.

or maybe later, i tell her.

maybe later.