—THAT’S JUST THE WAY IT IS

  

How it is How it happens

 

Stuck in traffic he sees now how things fall apart planet wilting under exhaust fumes drivers fixated with messaging a man two cars over shaving (with blade and cream) in the rearview dogwalker on the sidewalk leading nothing on a leash bookstore out of business next to a Mac emporium his wife’s number flashing on the seat as he unwraps the half-empty fifth beside him