Dealing

The handshakes and head nods

squared off shoulders and the stiff walk

they say, who you know? who knows you?

the eyes, those baleful moons, unlidded

threadbare carpet in a weekly rate motel room

dust the light chooses to cut into vertical slices

they say who knows you? who knows you?

list of names that builds and shrinks

cigarette smoke crucible,

gathered around rusted cars and curvy women

by the fragrant garbage cans

they say who you know? who you know?

fistbumps, and knowledgeable hugs

exchange in an age-old gesture

knowledge of weight, by touch alone

they say who you know? you’re like us

and who knows you? we’re like you.