what are your goals?

so tell me, she says, all bright

and sassy, 

leaning across the table

like a ray of sunshine.

more herbal tea, the waitress

asks her.

oh, please. she says.

and you sir.

gin, i tell her. leave the bottle.

so, sunshine says again.

tell me about you.

what's your vision, where

do you see yourself going,

where do you want to be

in this life.

we only have one life to 

live, she says. we shouldn't

waste it.

unless you're Hindu, i tell her.

what? she says.

oh never mind.

tell me your goals, she says,

taking my hands and folding

my fingers into hers.

well, i tell her. i put my clothes

in the washer about twenty

minutes ago, and my goal

is to get them in the dryer before

they get that funny sour

smell. know what i mean,

jelly bean?