Height Tax

Today I paid Height Tax.

Every time I buy a pair of pants I have to add $10 to the cost. I was not blessed with height, so I have to scoot down to the patient Chinese tailor on my route home from Ashfield station. I try on each pair, and he kneels next to my big feet squashed into the slip-on shoes kindly left out (one with high heels, one with low heels) for measurement. They are not intended for Caucasion feet, and I feel somewhat silly balanced on a size 5 shoe with this man at my feet. He deftly pins one leg with just one pin, and the next day the pants are magically ready. But I do resent Height tax each time I pay it!