number 4 is called

as i sit

here at the 
DMV,

waiting for my number to be called.

285,

at 9 a.m.,

waiting to get a sticker

for my

license plate,

i realize

that i never could have

come across

in the Mayflower.

i'm scrunched up

against people,

babies are crying, kids

with runny noses

are scurrying about.

there's coughing

and sneezing

going on.

people are tapping

their feet,

humming,

talking on their phones,

eating crackers loudly.

the woman

next to me is hogging

the chair rest

with her ham hock arms.

i have no place to put

my elbows.

there's a ding,

i look up.

number 4 is called.