LA HERMANA DE STELLA

a jack hammer is pounding a few blocks away

one of several enormous schools is under construction
i get up . put on my ex wifes yellow and thick cotton robe
go to the front door . open it then a security door and walk
out to the edge of the grey wooden porch

i narrow my eyes in the hazy morning light . the young
teenage older sister of stella is texting while walking by
i call out " hey ! good morning sister of stella "

she gives the briefest glance then says " oh . hi " i reply
" no school yet ? " without looking from her cell phone
she keeps walking and says " i didnt went today "

the jack hammer stops and restarts

as i watch the older sister of stella go up the street the
pounding sound is like a salve . a balm in elam . i feel
comfort in knowing my tax dollars are efficently at work

smiling i think " our children be learnin "