Concessions

During the very same week that city trucks with sucking hoses

vacuum gutters free 

of brown decaying leaves

my neighbor strings his house in white light.

He has never done this in November.

During the very same week that drivers 

curse at strident radio talk,

while a president refuses to concede,

Melania ruminates about White House decorations.

She prays this is her last season.

This is the week that 9 emergency calls 

are placed to Tranquil Landings Counseling staff.

The same week that 1 caller hangs up prematurely, 

vowing to call again

After nosy children are occupied with lessons.

Mothers in the produce aisle

wear masks and worry lines,

conceding that safety comes before sentiment,

that the turkey will be small this year.

These simple acts keep us alive.