When the Police Arrived

complaints, yes, and tears
but berserk behavior
modifies, intervention
necessary like
peat moss for
a dying plant.

she objected, publicity
gigantic in small
towns, citizens scandal-eager,
eyes watching, scanning
headlines, with
jobs, reputations
vulnerable.

surrendering simple for now,
guilty-faced renegade,
shotgun on SUV's
front seat, officers
pinning him to the concrete
like a varmint.

who knows what will
shake out come breakfast,
wide-eyed kids shaking,
their daddy a monster,
their mom crying on
the electrician's shoulder.

makes a fine photo
for small town news.