Dirty old Truck Driver

Video poker at the bar
a soothing respite
from Sophomore essays
far from the maddening voices we're
struggling to find
Game's on and--
I miss my dyslexic friend

What do heavy equipment operators
and English teachers
have in common?
football--mostly

how arrogant to assume
after 28 years of  Jr. High technology
and remedial reading
I could step into high school English

How much D would appreciate
the ambiguity of Hamlet
or the religious satire
of "The Lottery?"


The stool next to me speaks

"So, where you headed"

"I live here."

"Really? What do you do?"

"I teach."

"No..."

"Yea.. High School English."

"No Shit! I thought you was one of us dirty old truck drivers!"

"Well... (what am I supposed to say)

...thanks!" (it's nice to fit somewhere)