For a commemorative Plaque
Mary Winters
It was here in this city of Newark
a courthouse worker held her hands
over her ears all day long against
constant emergency, endless
gnashing of sirens; bomb crew
outside the window twice a week;
police horses squeezed
together ten abreast around
the courthouse door; sign above
announcing “Police Week” sponsored by
county official under indictment.
It was here in this city she saw
alarms in every store, owners inside
on ladders watching from every corner
-- everyone under arrest as soon as
they touch the shoddy stuff;
rainwater red in the gutter
from unpaved streets nearby.
It was here in this city the
bus system was shut down -- keep
people from gathering to talk.
