A pitch prepared for ears
sensitive to a certain frequency.
Meaning my neighbor
doesn’t hear the same message
in the sign he posted in his front yard.
Words that scream for me
like teenagers in a slasher movie
don’t make him blink. No more disturbing
than a housecat meowing for supper.
He waves at me from his white porch
wearing his red sweater, unaware
of the sirens he’s set off in my head.
Though I suspect he steams, just as I do,
at the prospect of sharing a sidewalk
with someone who steps on his vote.
I wipe my eyes on the sleeve
of my blue sweater. Breathe deep.
Remind myself
we are both howling
at the same cruel moon
for different reasons.
Jacqueline Jules is the author of the poetry chapbooks Field Trip to the Museum and Stronger Than Cleopatra. Her work has appeared in over 100 publications including TheNewVerse.News, Potomac Review, Innisfree Poetry Journal, Little Patuxent Review, and Gargoyle. She is also the author of 35 books for young readers.