summer nights 1950s

 

curtains hang lifeless

awaiting breeze that does not come

whippoorwill sings 

hot and sweaty song 

it doesn’t feel like singing

 

boy hears whistle’s blast 

of a night train 

slowly crawling its way

through the country side

breaking the silence at each crossing

 

ambulance sirens scream

through hot night air

transporting wounded

following its own wail

down highway to hospital

 

bird’s song fades 

as does whistle and siren

air is impotent

boy falls asleep

soaked in sweat