out here first thing in june -- met a girl
		-----------------------------------------------------------

		no exaggeration -- clock strikes midnight as i
		drop off the tapes.  one.  two.  metal lid clank-clanks
		thank-you.

		i turn to a smoking (karen) -- they close at midnight?
		nods.  just the same they stay open pretty late.
		she's waiting for her new card.

		conversation ensues like so:
		did you want to rent a movie?
		no -- smile -- i just watched two -- i am painting
		my bathroom -- no time for more
		i just did mine.

		exchanging experiences on stripping wallpaper
		and learning about tiles and hanging drywall
		sounds like you've done way more than me
		a drag and a rolling-eye smile.

		what's your name?  karen.
		marek.  extends her hand.  shake shake.  cool dry.
		milk chocolate on the inside.

		after a while, when taking my leave up broadway.
		karen calls after me -- hey, marek.
		know of any places hiring?

		conversation two.  this time about writing.
		journalism.  working on the south side.
		these days they all want html java.

		do you have a computer?  yes.  do you have
		an internet connection?  yes.  i am part of webgirls.
		i transfer the asset of http://google.com
		explain viewing source and saving to file
		morphing found code to make it your code.
		learning on the net for free.
		putting up your own -- wallpaper.

		karen does not hide her glee -- she is gonna pick it up.
		here's my email -- tell me how you're coming along.
		and here is mine.

		thank you, merek.  smile.
		smile.  that's mah-rek.

		'mah-rrrek 'mah-rrrek.  she engraves on the air as we part
		keeping eye contact on divergent tack.  hers is to the curb.
		take care.  see you around.

		getting back to painting on a still foggy night.
		now nothing visible from up here out there.
		for now and for much later -- i am.  i was in may already.
		taking care.


			Marek Lugowski
			1 June 2000
			Chicago, Illinois