counter-swipes, long cavalcade of weary sighs

tattered Nikes stickied to grungy-brown floor tiles,

streaked & grimed with street debris, society’s refuse

she sweeps away the crunch of discarded breakfasts —

crumbly mango-oatmeal-raisin, jellied toast

biscuit smatterings of cinnamon, brown sugar & nutmeg

the promise of a few deep drags at 1:15,

sole enticements to endure another dreary morning