valid once more

i stand

in line at the DMV

to apply

for my Real I

D.

the passport, the birth

certificate,

the bills

and credit cards are not enough

anymore

to prove

my legal

existence.

i bring my mother and children

with me

to be a witness

for my proof of life,

my valid

citizenship to these united

states.

it only

takes a mere ninety minutes,

circling the room,

from chair to chair,

and i'm

out the door.

valid once more.