The bits of broken plastic, a cellphone part, a crumpled bill:
evidence left in haste or panic on the sidewalk.
The neighbors peering out from behind their blinds.
The voice on the phone asking,
Shouldn’t you be telling this to the police?
The caller responding, I thought you were the police?
The flutter of a newspaper someone left on a bench;
the dogs sniffing under the bushes.
Crackle of radio static, news flash on who was caught—
including a twelve year old. The afternoon’s cheek
suddenly, intensely, desiring sleep.
Three croaks from overhead: ravens or crows?
—Luisa A. Igloria
10 24 2011
In response to an entry from The Morning Porch.