There is an ice cream store
in my town
with all the flavours
and an owner
who growls
and takes your money
as though he is doing
you a favour
it’s as if he’s trapped
inside the wrong identity
like my teacher in high school
a cranky old goat
who came back one fall
much nicer as a lady
I suspect this guy inherited
the ice cream store
but always wanted to be
a parking enforcement officer
or a deep sea diver
searching for people
who are already dead
he is out of place
next to blueberry lavender
and pumpkin praline
I want to say something supportive
but instead I ask him
what he thinks I should get
to which he says
with a flat voice
that I should try the curry cone
because no one ever does
and he bets
it sits there all day
hoping to get picked.