Pall Malls and Miller, Actually

Kids playing schoolyard ball would notice me: conspicuously white.  At first, they’d mug, “Hey, Officer.”

Eventually, they figured out I lived in the neighborhood and was just buying beer and cigarettes.  Then, they’d shout, “Marlboros and Budweiser!”

Sometimes I’d call back, “Newports and King Cobra,” just to be smart.

…

Nothing.

Tommy Mac