The attack left the townspeople
in a state of deep shock,
not knowing
afraid to ask
what could have set them off
that way
what could have led
to this unprovoked bestial rampage.
And the inhabitants
of that rather tidy
little hamlet
gathered in the square
in front of the church
and stood around
in threes and fives and sixes
scraping at the late winter’s grit
with the soles
of their sensible shoes
murmuring
there was a time once when
a small, swarthy man
with a broom was a homely
and altogether welcome
sight in our town.
(Originally appeared
in In
Parentheses)
