how you find out

who they are

who they think you are

out riding

across the border

& he’s leaning on

wanting me to order

food drinks anything

not wanting to learn any

lingo patois sign language

stopping for gas

fills his tank then stands

uncomprehending

as she asks which pump?

i come in pay mine

feeling his cold anger

ocho i say to her

holding up fingers 8

he stares at me

like i’m showing him up

we ride on him hanging back

stopping later i ask

everything ok?

i hate this shitty country

he says all bile & irate

lets go back where

things are easy

& we go return to where

he understands everything

tho’ i know clear

he don’t