cleveland

The girl went outside her door and stood and stared at the sky.

there were clouds in the sky. the girl wore glasses with black frames

the girl stared at the sky some more and put on a bright yellow baseball hat

she sat in a white resin chair

the girl sat quietly and watched the leaves grow

the leaves were not full but new and bright green

the grass was tall and new

the sun was peeking from behind clouds. the air was cold

the girl was brunette

she lived in public housing

she had small white tennis shoes and small feet and pointed her feet inward

as she sat and looked straight forward

and not at the clouds anymore

but ahead and very level

and thought secret thoughts

until

the shadows grew and

she

hid behind the screen door

breathing quiet

and hearing birds.