mid-afternoon to-do list
suddenly bursts into
scarlet relief.

waiting on the highest porch and falling down at the slightest sound
made by cars laughing at “yield” signs and most things resembling them.

stay a while
and console yourself
counting hangnails on long thumbs.

the lonely man at the corner reminds us everyday that five is a lie
and fourths make up the most filling portions of award-winning pies.

one nose, single brain
tracking the last dime
with no light criticisms.

Cat No. 75 of the 500 Cats Project