i board the elevator
at the ground level
munching popcorn

a short man
occupies this car
his hands are
deep in his pockets
strange eyes
odd muttering

i can't hear
as i munch

we rise and he
inches closer
mutters louder

beg your pardon
i say
he looks lecherously
at my chest
continues muttering

then i begin
mumbling
and scratching
my ass

i scratch and
scratch
squirming with itch
then i scratch
my crotch
wincing my eyes
gritting my teeth

i produce
something
microscopic
between my thumb
and finger . . .
a fantasy louse

i squish it
between two
thumbnails
and
thrust my hand
back into my
popcorn bag
continue
munching

suddenly i remember
my manners and
offer him some
popcorn

he depresses
the stop button
and exits
mumbling