The Art of Tetman Callis

the bus stop is missing its benches and trash cans
scars remain on the sidewalks

women talking on cell phones
crossing against the lights
trot across the plastic faux-brick sidewalks

fat men in knit shirts lumber slowly along
their mouths hanging open

traffic slows to a stop

young women wear tight clothes
their buttons straining

we are the children of soldiers
our breath is labored
our sky is gray

(Copyright 2023 by Tetman Callis.)