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Loraine's restocking cigarette shelves
kids rummaging around the harshly
colored candy packages aisle 2
mom's getting colas and canned beans for dinner
Rex's standing in the chemical cold beer cooler
oil-grimed and callus-handed
grabbing his cheap american beer
sometimes he just likes to stay in that cold
just a minute to take his first deep breath of the long day

Loraine watches a backpacked girl in overalls
face traffic exhaust sooted walk up to the store
she's trying to make the coast with her dog
panhandling around the station and nearby intersection
keeping her dog fed, hoping for a trustworthy ride
out of this blistering hot desert town

Rex wonders why Loraine would dye her hair
bleach blonde on the left, bright purple on the right
says thank you ma'am see you next time
as the register chimes and receipt printer churns
outside the heat makes him sweat instantly
he hands one of his beers to the old man
that rolls around the parking lot in a wheelchair
asking patrons if they'd like their
rear view mirrors wiped or hubcaps polished

the old man bows his head several times
pressing the cold can into his neck
it'll just be a few minutes until it's warm
Rex cranks the engine and hears on the radio
that it'll be 60th consecutive day in the 100s
worst heat wave since last year

I pull up at the pump Rex just left
see the old man wheeling over
and the girl posted next to the door
with a cup out and puppy dog guilt
I've been punching the 9-5 clock for years
trying to make the mortgage and bills
I've got just enough on credit for my vices
my gasoline, my saccharin, my alcohol and nicotine
I lean back into the car
hoping to god for change