Red Pigeons

Josh wakes each morning between 2 & 3,

won't go back to sleep.

For a few hours silence I'd sedate him

but Doctor Tate wants this ten-year-old

evaluated without meds. All night Josh draws

magic marker variations on his one theme:

I call him the Master of Red Pigeons.

Illuminated birds circle burning tenements

in each picture -in this one the street's

an orange line slashing towards homes

it never reaches: rowhouses rise

in multicolored flames, each blaze tilted

a different angle, everything wave & roll & ripple of fire

while smoke spirals up in little cyclones.

Just out of reach of the sparks

brilliant birds ride the updrafts,

outstretched wings reflecting fire.

Red pigeons: in drawing after drawing

children's faces stare from their windows

at these dazzling birds. Even the wooden fire escapes

he's added to the houses are burning.