just there

Just there
in the clamor of 
leaves and songbirds.
Just there
a nest of line 
in thick brush
by the river.
Just there
a noisy story 
that could be true.
Just there, a scrabble
of inspiration
on four paws.
Just there, a flash 
in the muddy swirls 
of spring flood.

Just there the one 
that got away, 
the better to lure you.
Just there, 
stories told soft, with
 wide arms, wide eyes.

  news from a small town 8, March 2012  

The rules

It’s an ordinary day in
Safeway hunting and gathering.
Much more happens here
than feeding the hungry!

O mighty huntress: here’s
how you navigate at rush time.
There are dangers in the aisles.
Beware your fellow shoppers.

Look for the signs: small teeth bared,
headed for the tender spot,
the evil eye and great rage.
Check all suspicious bulges -

they may hide the fruits
of sticky fingers or a stick-up gun,
or a marriage proposal. (It happens).
The trick is comparison shopping.

If you see her and her ex’s new girl,
turn away your cart in time.
There may be a fight
or at least a confrontation.

The frozen foods aisle is well known
as the place to pretend not
to start a fight, in the so-called
safety of a public space.

Here are the rules: in no order.
Don’t get between me, my food,
my coupon, my deal, my
cheating ex! or the check line.

Don’t think blood couldn’t spill.
It’s called wet clean-up for a reason.
Here’s where you come for 
serious business – Fruit, yes. Squash, yes.

Carrots, yes. Meat, just maybe -
but so much more. It’s dangerous here.
Shop carefully, be wary, and O
my huntress! Come home the safe way.

  news from a small town 7, March 2012