The rain drops on my

Signature fedora that has

Become a kinky quirk

Lately, attests that my

Misfit flair became too popular

From a discernment of a norm

That did not remain on the fringes,

Thus keeping its cache.

Maybe next time.

Have you seen the white

Golf shoes? I hope it is only your

Subconscious that registered

It as a shadow echo, then

Stilled to a casual pulse

That warranted a glance of

Appreciation to an unprompted omit.

This is a goal.

Paul Handley spent a career as a student and a student of odd jobs. He has an MA, an MPA, and is ABD. He has driven a cab and sold meat door-to-door. Paul has work included or forthcoming in Anemone Sidecar, Apollo’s Lyre, Boston Literary Magazine, Ophelia Street, and others.