howdy neighbor

low on bacon
and vodka,

i venture out, risking my life.

the streets are empty.
a strange quiet

across the land of strip malls
and fast
food restaurants.

no honking of horns, no shouts
or curses.

no tail gating
or hurry.

no nothing, but the calm
breeze,

birds in the sky.
the bright voice of the kid
next store

waving as i come home.
howdy neighbor,

she says, having just seen
her ten minutes ago.