I’m sitting here
eating a can
of tinny tasting peas
because I put them in the fridge
in the can, not in a tupperware container
like my wife said.
She looks at me like I’m stupid
and tells me they’ll taste tinny Russell.

Ah, well,
who listens anymore?

Kids sure don’t.
Remember the last time
you went to the local stop and shop
for coffee and smokes?
Remember the dead-eyed,
insolent pre-adult who waited on you?

Most of the time I just make my purchase,
shake my head and leave.
But I believe in making lemonade
out of lemons.
If my purchase comes to $4.13
I give them a five
and a quarter.

Noting their expression,
I smile,
sip my lemonade
and curse the school system.