PROVE IT? — Finding poetry in the Chicago Tribune (again)
I took this article and redacted it into a poem. The line breaks and punctuation are my own. Enjoy.
PROVE IT?
Businesses ease requirements for people
Businesses loosening restrictions for people
are turning to bars and music festivals;
hand stamps and wristbands signal
their bare face shouldn’t raise eyebrows.
Not every business wants The Honor
System. There’s little people to trust.
Owner of BBQ loosened requirements
earlier this month but did not require doors,
so people can choose whether or not to enter.
“They need to bring their card if they want
to go,” said Owner. “Guards will stamp customers’
hands if they show their drink.
It takes 30 seconds,” he said.
All Strength asks customers to show
they want to work. (The gym copies
its computer system, provided proof.)
The gym sees the same clients repeatedly.
It was easier to regulate than it might be.
A place with higher turnover, such as a gym
with classes, had more open access.
[I would have waited until the state opens.]
Customers must still undergo temperatures.
Athlete Lounge asks people working to upload
an image of their visit. They get a wrist-
band and a check. Going without proof
and providing the visual signal felt big.
Land said: “It leaves anxiety on the table.
It’s up to us to keep people now, mentally too.”
Others aren’t asking for proof, several announced.
The Honor System and Jewel-Osco are
“strongly encouraged” for customers.
Cinemas looked to moviegoers without asking:
“There’s no possibility of letting them visit.”
(Employees were comfortable.) People go
anyway; it happens the minute they walk in.
Others were reluctant but opted to keep up.
“It’s ludicrous to tell people we trust the truth
and then expect me to tell,” said Chris,
Owner of Foods.
He’d like the city’s rate to be higher
before easing requirements.
Square’s Timeless still requires kids
who can’t feel comfort, said Owner Scott.
The store doesn’t have staff.
Someone at the door doesn’t want
to risk penalties for failing.
“Until the city is willing to take the burden
or we’re able to get people negligible,
it’s not worth it,” Owner said.
I’ll happily remove the above photographs if requested by the copyright holder.
