Photography © Chad Parenteau

 

crimes of our time

people
are snobs
nowadays –
a virus
mostly apparent
in young
baristas.
one sneered
at me today
b/c i called
a “tall”
a small
and ordered
only that.
a simple
cup of coffee
was my crime.
his
was privilege.

 

Ken Kakareka’s latest novel is Summer of Irresponsibility (Alien Buddha Press, 2023). His words have appeared or are on their way in numerous rags including Gargoyle Magazine, New Pop Lit, A Thin Slice of Anxiety, and others.

Chad Parenteau is Associate Editor of Oddball Magazine. The coffee shop in the photo replaced a Starbucks at that Boston location. This makes him happy.