I am frightened of introducing conversation
with the prostitutes on my block
for fear of suggesting I wish for their wares.
Particularly because of the hours I keep
– I usually come in after midnight,
when they’re out and about,
and though I’d like to be polite and friendly,
I don’t want that mistaken for business-curious.

If I could bridge that gap,
I think I would be a more socially aware person.
I have not consciously interacted with prostitutes before.

If I knew what to do,
I would know what to do.