that unwelcome feeling abroad

the natives

know when you're a tourist,

and don't

live there, but 

for a week or two.

they know you just got

off a boat,

or plane

and have dragged your

luggage

to some nice hotel

where you'll find the water

pressure too

weak,

the lights too dim,

and have other complaints.

they smirk at you

as you try to make sense

of the money,

the food,

always asking in broken

English for

directions to some museum,

or monument

they no longer deem

important,

or go to.

they see it in the hat you

wear,

your shirts

and shoes, the camera

around your

neck.

the belly pouch

around your American stomach

that protrudes.

they know who you are

as you unfold a map

and inquire about where to get

the best local

food.

do they take coupons?

is there a Starbucks nearby?