Paranoia on Line Avenue

I am suspicious--
of the woman wearing
a white
leopard and zebra
spandex print pantsuit
and a wrinkled white oxford shirt

She is peering at the sushi
(probably a cover)
seeming a little bit stoned, or maybe
crazy.

I've been here, breathing in the smell of
fried chicken and Chinese eggrolls
holding a sweet tea, for what seems like
hours.

She is probably a spy
making sure that
people
(like me)
do not late
lurk
in the hallowed aisles of this
fancy grocery store
at 3:17 AM.

I'm quite sure of it
when she looks at me and
doesn't recognize me. Squints.
Picks up some California Rolls and
a bottle of saki.

Kaw Jan '09