– 60 –

Settlement

When cloud hides the sun,
these wholesome civic trees
cease to groom themselves.

Here, flax once clattered,
a pa smoked brownly,
palisades and boardwalks described
the beginnings of streets, of commerce.
In time, a zoo was started
with brass bands and teas.

There's city enough today.
While Mercedes and Toyota flutter bunting
above the yards and showrooms,
a cop with a dud swipe-card
fails to access the police garage.