In a growling, mixed parts automobile resembling
A scrap-metal Frankenstein
A driver pauses at a green light
Stalling parking lot traffic on its steaming blacktop treadmill
To greet an old friend through a missing window

A father in full camo and combat boots drags a nic-stick
And guides his wife and children through sardine walkways
In ninety degree June heat on a Boston street
His daughter swims in his thick wool, long-sleeved army jacket
Beaming

A lonely teen with fear tears and a pay-to-go-phone
Calls for help, and receives no reply
The frustration drains from his cursing voice
He shakes the hand of the silent one who was with him all along

Sirens wail, cars clear, leaving an empty trail
A snake pilot shoots the gap and ditches his stagnant lane to tail
The ambulance turns off its indicators; the patient didn’t make it
Their apparent apostle gets home a few minutes early

A blue peace keeper sleeping in his loser cruiser
Does not stir as tax dollar drool dribbles from his lips
A speeding truck nearly creams a pink backpack
Somewhere, a woman is *****

A husband and his frail partner leave the office of a medicine man
She walks aimlessly towards a wall before she is redirected
Careful Magoo, he says with love
He spoke with the patience of an ocean