Kolkata--
air yellow as piss
thick as dust

two beggars work every block
persistent as flies

eat lamb burger for dinner
spend rest of night at toilet

air ticket agents absolutely guarantee
a seat on waiting list.

Guatemala City--
no family untouched by gang killing

streets close 9 pm
funeral parlour chemical smell
only action liquor store

general just got back from miami shopping trip
pearl handle US army 45 on hip
bloodstains mayan indians on underwear

fat face cop worm mustache
crawls above raw dough lips
asks questions about nothing
till given 5 quetzale tip

squat little fathers squat little daughters
fearful shut giant spanish
colonial doors against
gray air outside.

Mylon Sidewater