minneapolis, north east
i’m biking down a tree lined street in slanting late summer sun
it’s still hot and the big big trees arching 40 50 60 feet over this quiet street
throw down a lot of nice shade
the big big tree’s green leaves rustling and flipping in that midwest ocean breeze
sunlight flickering over all the front porches
their folding chairs and pool lounges empty this evening
now the sound of lawns being mowed and the smell
of the two stroke engines and the cut grass and the barbecues in the back yards
merging into one another under the big big trees
since i didn’t take a pic wouldn’t put it in a jar
this is how i’ll take it with me
as the pandemic’s still going it’s winter approaching
traffic still not flowing through 38th and chicago
cuz still nothing has reformed or changed
how many more names until it’s obvious that justice came
as deepfake scenes start messing with our dreams
as hate tripping streams and courses through our social media os’s
flashing and sluicing across hi-def screens
this is how i’ll get through
i’ll stand steady and breathe like the big big trees
