the heart of the city

somehow

i get on the sweet list for

the Petworth

community in D.C.

a neighborhood

slowly

turning over from

crack houses

to families with strollers

and swings

in the yard.

it takes a solid hour

to drive there.

always with the windows

rolled up,

and the doors locked.

it's in the heart

of the city.

it's a harrowing

day

of painting and hanging

wallpaper,

looking over my

shoulder

as i go out to my truck

for another

brush or can of paint.