The Sand Hill Review               http://www.sandhillreview.org 2010

Civic Duty

Think of a small Greek fishing village on the eastern coast

of Florida, the streetlights coming on. The streets empty

except for three drunks and a possum.

Beneath a red light, one man pokes a long pole at the animal.

The possum—with fur like aggressive carpet

and a hideous naked tail—lunges and hisses.

Listen to the boats rocking in the harbor, to the hollow,

somber rattle of the masts. Listen to the men’s laughter.

Rita Mae Reese