58.

The closer to the ground, the more fictional

the syllogism: the TGV is not unlike

those Canterbury tales. M & Ms, Pepsi

two men taking over my table, swilling

mouths agape, occupying space, as if pleasure

weren’t enough and they wanted me to leave.

One speaks of Dijon, the other plays with his

earphones, the SONY tapes advertising

love itself: degustation, and out

the window a crane. Lovers at right angles

to apartment blocks. It would be tempting

to hear one more story from the Wife of Bath.

Along the roads people move in their cars

Alone with their silent prayers to commerce.