Newspoem 16 March 1996

AP - Urbana—Just fifteen minutes ago, this reporter, with an ear for precise detail and a head empty of facts, overheard the following:

"No cigarettes Just the lighter, please.

"...and how was the funeral?"

"It didn't even look like Mama. $1.05"

"Just a second, I have some change in here somehwhere."

"She had a plate head because he shot her nine times."

"Really? I didn't know it was like that."

"Here's your change. Thank you. Have a nice day."

"Thanks."

"I didn't read that in the paper..."