men/women/black/white

made sure to stop and get windshield wipers today

after last night

my husband's irritability increased

by the sound 

(not sure how to reproduce that awful noise)

the old windshield wipers made

in the little bit of rain

and the woman at the counter

first, after a collegial chat with her coworker

him discussing his exorbitant ticket

for texting and driving

continuing the conversation about cops

and she said

they're not here to protect and serve anymore

and I sheepishly brought my white body 

up to the counter

there not being a good way to show my solidarity

she asks to check if I got the right size

of course, I said, not wanting a windshield wiper

oversized and sticking off the edge

and she said

men never want to double check or ask for help

giving a knowing smile

but then I didn't want anyone to help me 

drove home, no rain

and I stood outside for fifteen minutes

fingers freezing

wishing my husband was home

to change the damn windshield wipers