Friday Night and the Lights are Low


The sad dog starts up
Like it's being beaten
Hits two notes, then
the power goes out (again)
"Load shedding"
A collective sigh through the window
Like for fireworks that don't fire.
Flashlights are found
Candles lit and set down
Generators protest and wail and finally hum
And the conversation improves
The words start to come --
At least for those with the candles.
And the puppy cries Maya
Sinking into his song
Moving up with a bullet
In as heavy rotation
As the call of the Mullah.