Talking to the Owl

It’s a parade.  Sirens in the distance.  Closing in - anticipation.
Led by today’s hero.  A Vietnam veteran.
The workaday heros follow him.
Flashing lights.  Loud in passing. 
Ladder 19 is our security.  Engine 1 our history.
Wave at the fire fighters like you know them
Catch the candy as they throw some
High School Band follows proud.  White shoes stepping.
Ladies and Lions club fall in line.
Sallie’s dance class learning to keep time.
New police recruits in their best blues.
Some crazy guy in a tutu.
Church group advertising God’s plan
Precedes the punk band
A little boy dropped his ice cream
And I’m just watching
Watching the strangers at the parade.