This appears in a pre-2010 issue
of cc&d magazine.
Saddle-stitched issues are no longer
printed, but you can requesting it
“re-released” through amazon sale
as a 6" x 9" ISBN# book! Email us for re-release to order.
Do you know the answer?
the cashier asked, handing me
a large cup of houseblend.
It’s worth ten cents off.
I looked again at the question
written on the chalkboard
behind her. Of course, I knew
the answer. It was the Rosenbergs,
sent to the Sing Sing electric chair
fifty years ago and now just trivia
worth a goddamn coffee shop dime.
Well? she asked as I gave her two singles.
No clue, I said, deciding poor Julius
and especially Ethel had already been
sold out enough. Fuck you, David Greenglass,
I muttered underneath my breath.
Excuse me? the cashier asked as she looked up
from digging around in the cash drawer.
Oh, nothing, I told her. Just talking to myself.
I tried to smile as I took my change, then
let the coins fall slowly out of my hand
one by one, each with its own distinct dull clink,
into the smiley-faced tip jar.
