Above the Fray

from my window
I watched intently
through narrow blinds
helmeted police
clash
with angry protesters
hurling bottles flying fists
a cacophony of human voices
collectively raged and ascended
like bubbling magma
above
the
street
a flock of pigeons swarmed and perched side by side
along the rooftop ledge of a nearby McDonald’s
innocent bystanders                they all
sat restlessly and witnessed
smoking teargas canisters scatter and choke the asphalt
a strident voice on the TV announced:
“Guaranteed acceptance! You cannot be denied life insurance coverage for any
health reason whatsoever!”
I closed my eyes and swallowed
contemplating the awareness of the birds
wondering if these docile creatures had any
idea
just how much fucking turmoil
the world
is
in