Unrequited Parking

The meter blips fewer and fewer minutes. No coins can reset it. The screen shows red. A boot clamps the tire.

I wait when I should continue. The sinking hope hurts more than the ticket will. Because, the parking monitor shows no mercy for mistakes and errands that ran long. The slow line at the counter has no bearing on the time he keeps.

I feel too well what my betters divulged of themselves. They scratched furiously on paper. They bled into the collective understanding. The wet works of life circle the block, looking for an opening that’s protected from the cold rain.

And you, you have no duty or desire to petition traffic court on my behalf. No protests will be lodged from the heated seats of your sedan. You won't relinquish your spot. Because, it's paved, paid, dedicated, and dry.