you look marvelous

the salesman

tells me

that i look fit and healthy

for my

age.

he shakes my hand

vigorously

as we stand outside

the car dealership

in the cold

and wind.

how do you do it?

he says,

tapping his

belly.

brushing donut crumbs

off his red sweater.

what do you mean by that?

i ask him.

for my age?

yes, yes,

it's a compliment, 

for an elderly fellow,

it seems like you've

taken care of yourself.

you look great.

you don't look a day over 50.

so now, how

about

we take that new

car for a spin.

how's your credit rating,

by the way?

give me your

I.D. and

let me go get that magnetic

license plate.