Some sort of golden uniform
looking like a set of spiffy pyjamas
regular patterned insignias visible
on lower pant legs
mantled by a three quarter length coat
dark as his skin and fitting snugly
even as he bends down almost
as low as his shined black shoes
reaches up to the foot-wide brass plate
on one of the glass double doors
with his cloth and starts in
on much practiced movements
spreading polish over the flat expanse
the full width of the door
then round the tubular brass handle
Up on his haunches in one easy movement
then on to the companion door plate
and two more doubles before
returning to stage one with buffing cloth
feeling that shine come up
beneath his kneading fingers
Turning from time to time
outside or inside
gazing at his reflection
or lifting or dropping
patient eyes over Rue Gaite
to the Plomb du Cantal
to see without particularly meeting
the eyes of any Plomb staff
or we petit dej munchers
bw
|