ManicWorld Magazine

There’s a man in Aldi
wearing his S&M clothing
to do the shopping.

As if he’s forgotten,
he’s buying ordinary things:
milk, butter, eggs, cereal.

Outside, the wind and rain
make it look almost practical,
as though he wore it to keep warm.

His face is flushed,
unshaven,
glasses fogged with steam.

Shiny plastic
repels the weather.

Loading his car,
raindrops bead and slide
from his PVC coat
onto the tarmac,
a mirror of black sheen
that throws back his reflection.

The coat snaps in the wind,
flapping like the Matrix—
an overweight Neo.

No one else is inside
the car

Only on the back seat:
black, furry
handcuffs
waiting.