Privation

 

We discuss the differences between

castles and palaces; the contemporary versus

 

relic architecture of wealth, what chump

change means to millionaires, how a

 

dime is still worth something to the

man with matted hair and the one

 

eyed, three-legged dog in front

of Whole Foods. ‘A dime is insulting,’

 

you say, ‘the castles of currency, signifying

ignorance and privilege.’

 

‘But better than nothing?’ I ask,

stumping you momentarily.

 

You: ‘Is a handshake better than nothing

when you long for a passionate kiss?’

 

Me: ‘But I haven’t been kissed passionately

for so long.’ (Did I really say that aloud?)

 

‘That’s not the point,’

you say, then clear your throat.

 

Either way, after that,

I can think of nothing else.