Gladys Kravitz Syndrome

it's a soft, buttery morning

unusually quiet for

a sleepy street i shortcut through

nearly every day

even the usual dog-walkers

are off rhythm

as i slow for a corner stop

a young woman approaches

along the shoulder

long black hair

knee-high boots

black fishnet nylons

a white bustier

short black skirt

and a black waist-cut jacket

she is completely out-of-place

and will not doubt be perceived

as a threat to the neighborhood

especially this early

then i remember

the annual fall festival is this weekend

and with the fair

setting up i discern

she must be a stray carny

out for a morning stroll

i imagine rolling eyeballs through

slices in curtains

and pinched blinds

then finally relief when

the three-day fundraiser

moves on

and the bedroom community

would once again pull up the comforter