black man old and crippled

peers out through the open door

at the lump of crow

laid limp across the sidewalk.

its neck all twisted up side-

ways its beak is barely cracked,

drains a bloody trickle

to the street

particle board head board fragments

from a glossy cheap bed

frame lie shattered--like torn

by a giant--

in a stacked pile

by the dumpster.

he rests his hand on her head

as they walk side by side

and she cradles

her face

like it might fall off.