even with the utmost preparation of forms, signatures, and various identifications, the velvety ropes that guide one forward with nervous and irritated anticipation must be circled more than once upon one’s visit to the dmv.
the pinched and unconcerned eyes as well as the pursed and disapproving mouth of a particular white-haired representative churns a knot into my lower intestine during both of my 20minute meanders through the queue.
there is no rush for dmv employees, a cleared line will only reform, and a slave to the clock takes every break at precisely the right minute.
a seemingly pleasant silver-maned officer just smiles and nods as i depart to my insurance agent down the street to rectify a VIN number mix-up and offers the same nod and smile in recognition of my return 20minutes later.
a tattoo-necked woman, jittering with anxiety and madness, was in her fifth attempt to get license plates in the last 2hours and made my 2 attempts seem inconsequential.
being handed new license plates gave me the elation of a prisoner who unexpectedly recieves parole. the tattooed woman and i exchanged smiles and nods much akin to the silvery officer’s knowing gesture.
alas, i was released from dmv purgatory.