Friday, June 13, 2003

STREET SEEN He walks with

STREET SEEN

He walks with his jaw set, wearing a light jacket, pressed chinos, walking shoes.  He carries in one hand a paper shopping bag from a tony department store, bulging with merchandise; in the other he grips the mouth of a big clear plastic garbage bag stuffed with women’s shoes.  She is three steps behind him, long straight hair hanging limply over her bony shoulders.  She wears a black sweater, a black top, and black leggings - exercise chic.  She carries two more paper shopping bags and follows him with visible reluctance, her face twisted in disappointment and despair.  He leads her to the shop and brusquely pulls the door open, strides in without waiting for her.  She hesitates at the threshold, then opens the door again and enters.  The door of the used clothing store slowly closes behind her.