POEM: Avoid The Area

Avoid The Area

police activity at the Rotunda:
problem or solution?
the phone buzzes
avoid the area

Jefferson’s roads have too many cars
he didn’t see this coming
too busy … you know
avoid the area

a softening of the heart
a lowering of walls
advice over the phone:
avoid the area

later we learn
someone shot himself
in the dark on the campus lawn
avoid the area

sell yourself short
sell yourself cheap
just sell yourself
avoid the area

don’t ask questions
don’t speak up
don’t make waves
avoid the area

/ / /

5/5/25
Charlottesville VA