The Department Store

This squinting, moon-faced man is measuring lavender silk

For a muffled, little-eyed girl.

(Only the counter lies between them, but they do not see

each other.)

This waxen-lipped girl, whose eyes are like burning silk,

Is selling a frilled white waist

To a sleepy-faced old woman in flaring clothes.

(They are both secretly amused.)

And this middle-aged, iron-bodied woman is wrapping

candy

For a fat, delicate-faced man in black clothes.

Rarely do they peep above the low wall between them

To look upon each other.