Paralysis

I left my manager

standing like that

(45 years old

and working fast food)

shoulders slumped

he looked like a forlorn

asparagus

separated from the herd

and the rain was pouring outside

it was ten-thirty

on a hot Sunday night

he just nodded

when I left

disappointed

that he would have to close again

alone

he would never ask

but I could tell

he wanted me

to stay later

just for some company

and once I reached the parking lot

I felt a tug of guilt

I looked back

to see him standing

behind the counter

eyes fixed upon me

waiting