is the way they look at you, the way
they treat you. I’ve seen it when I
was throwing up my lungs and severely
dehydrated, near collapse and the nurse

turned her back on me and mistreated
me because she thought I was homeless
because I came to the E.R. without a shower
that morning. But she instantly changed

her tune when she saw my husband in
the waiting room. This has happened over
and again with family and former friends. If
I made millions like some other authors

I’d be given the royal carpet treatment. But
because I’m doing the same as those who
make more I’m given a much lower status
and have failed instead of prevailing in their

eyes Because I don’t yield the tenure
as those who hold a position, recognizably
so. Even the Fine lawyer wouldn’t jot down
writer when asked about my profession. He wrote

security guard in the space, even if it had been
years since I’ve done duty in flats and stiff
pants with a utility belt wrapped around my waist,
and on golden badge pinned on my breast pocket.