Trash at Five A.M.

By John I. Blair

Between city rules
And my own disrupted life
I often find myself
Taking trash out to the curb
At five A.M.

With my jampacked bag
Of kitchen residue,
Squandered forest products
And soiled cat litter
I half walk, half stagger
Down the dark drive

Hoping I didn’t wake the neighbors
When I rolled up the garage door
Or a passing patrol
Doesn’t profile me as a burglar,
Burdened with swag.

Though my garb alone –
Boxer shorts and baggy T –
Should disabuse them.

Life ain’t always elegant.

©2011 John I. Blair