Air Miles, Reward Miles

by Ryan Quinn Flanagan

Things are adding up
these days 
as cards are exchanged 
and the toothy woman behind 
the counter
is paid to wish you a good day
with every purchase 
over ten dollars.
 
I watch from the back of the line
until it is my turn 
to take centre stage.
                  
The cashier takes my card
and swipes.
 
It all adds up.
 
At this rate 
I should be able to fly 
non-stop 
around the world
by the time I'm 
273.