From across the street, the rue, she kept an eye on us all…..prospective customers….Men looking for a deal; who will buy?

Her thick mangled hair of black laid nonchalantly….constantly winking….not come hither; a come-on….give me a chance….a why not…look….you could do worse….

Winks, chatting away at imaginary  figures in Montreal’s hood of the hopeless, I’ve seen her before…..everyday….

It was in front of a liquor store she named a price, I’ll give you all of me for a six pack…all of me…

You got it sis….buy ya whichever…whatever you want….life’s a negotiation…..

With small hands and a slight meow…..she chose Budweiser….The King of Beers….tall boys….

Dirty looks from Asian business owners as we walked to a nearby park….They’re selling booze….she’s selling a body….what’s the difference….

A button on a tight blouse was undone, Wait, I told her, Just wait….open-up a beer and talk to me…..that’s what I want….talk…

A chuckle turned into laughter…..one beer….then another…She was in no rush…

I don’t know where my family is, She yawned, I gave-up a long time ago….I looked everywhere….they were never where I thought I left them….

I nodded….

Did you lose your family too?

I did Kathleen….I did…

I’m sorry….

So am I….so am I…

Her final swig was taken…the tin placed neatly in a sack and thrown away…,It’s just that simple, She throttled my lap, Just that simple…

And then, a kiss on my mouth much needed was given…

Thanks Kathleen.