Windows

His hammer drives spikes
into plywood panels
sealing the windows
of a house
that no longer has renters.

Each strike, like a gunshot,
echoes in the hollow
of the street.

A young boy near the curb
watches for cops.
His brother deals drugs
in the alley.

A ragtag assortment of cars
are parked in the lot
at Calvary Baptist.
The choir is practicing
and the windows are open.

Night begins to creep in
and a gentle breeze
blows through leaves
of the trees.

He opens his trunk
and throws in his tools.
Driving away he hears
distant sirens.