earth note 444

cortez, colorado

the ducks in the city park

had a small pond to swim in
near the library
always competing
for space
their voices never silenced
'cept by shouts
from children
with their summer games

at noon

the entire town management
comes walking down main street
maybe a half-dozen of them
the mayor is obvious in his bolo tie
at the head
of the entourage

the real worker though

might have been
the woman with the briefcase
and working lunch expression
on her face

the diner across the street

opened their doors
to the weathered look
of cowpokes
and dusty augusts

--- e b bortz