Trash

In the trash
paper cup spills
cold coffee on

yesterday's news
covering lottery tickets
ripped in disgust

their corners red
with ketchup from
half-eaten fries

dripping grease on
ATM receipts, their
backs containing

To Do lists with
3 of 10 items
scratched out.

Bits of ice cream
cone sprinkle
a tissue used

to wipe baby's
mouth, next to
cigarette cellophane

crumpled under
candy bar wrappers
sticking on

a long distance
bill for 98
dollars, tossed

with lavender love
letters and torn
matchbook covers.