Algorithm for Envy

A hand-painted sign crosses the ocean before the march reaches the square. A stranger translates it.

In every room I count the exits, measure the windows,

You have repeated the same warning for forty-three minutes. I heard you the first time.

All night the rain keeps the ledger, counting each roof tile twice, tapping the gutter for answers,

Because the bus was late, I watched an old man split an orange and give the brighter half

She took the photograph so everyone else was in it. Later I found her reflection