The Art of Tetman Callis

she’s a work-study at the university library
almost as tall as i am, and i am tall

she wears clothes that fit her nicely
i’m trying not to look, i’m checking out a book
something ancient and tragic

she’s the one who will do the processing
get the book checked out, her blouse open to her navel

i look down the counter, away from her
she can’t be a day over twenty-five
an age i haven’t seen in ages

i wish i were one of her professors
i should have stayed in school

(Copyright 2023 by Tetman Callis.)