South of Heaven

Bozeman, Cooper Park, 30 August 2011

The tsk-tsk-tsk of Rainbirds and red hoses

gave way to hidden turrets spring-loaded

for day break a few rainbows west of a

new millennium park board meeting

Now water slugs launch skyward

like Gatling gun ordnance to fend off

dry soil, burnt grass and other tragedies

like the bleached bones of animals or the

clench-jawed wives of department heads

Junior wanders off to the park to trail

an abandoned dog named Cutty and

to chit-chat with a toothless gentleman

with a cardboard sign that reads

A FEW BUCKS SOUTH OF HEAVEN