First Avenue
As I stroll northward up First Avenue
three or four pigeons
walk next to me in the same direction.
It appears as if
I am taking the air with my pet birds.
The gulls above are
circling on an invisible spiral,
taking easy glides
to enjoy the urban experience.
A guy on a bike
plays just beyond the reach of snapping cars.
His life depends on
drivers with good peripheral vision
and quick reflexes.
Perhaps he is one of the immortals
or believes he is.
Three black sports utility vehicles
flashing colored lights
escort another of their kind unlit
with clouded windows.
A United Nations diplomat hides
inside bulletproof.
I hear the number of cars indicates
the person’s status.
As I stroll northward up First Avenue
pigeon companions
walk next to me in the same direction.
