for america

i'm all set to photograph
the arch

when the tae bo tai chi kind of
lady whatever

insists with an irritating tenacity
get out of the circle

i ask why
& she repeats

get out of the circle

puzzled i comply
& she suddenly

throws pennies
on the map

on the ground
& they bounce off me

land at my feet

it's for america
she exclaims

puzzled i look on
it's for america

she explains

i roll my eyes
and say

well that was
interesting

& go on