Message on the Sidewalk

In thick, bold strokes

Capitalized

Stretched tall and wide as the square of sidewalk allowed

A child proclaimed in chalk:

~

I WANT

~

I continued along the blank spaces of cement

Spattered only in blackberry stains

Smashed snails

and suburban debris

~

Seventeen squares later

When I had already forgotten about what the children want

The baby blue chalk lines

Upside down

Came into focus:

~

POWER