Toothless Carnivore
by Judy L. Brekke
walking on sidewalk
edge of MacArthur Park
inner city Oakland
man in gray wool stocking cap
grabs my legs
pulls me to shrubs
hot breath
saliva dripping
from toothless mouth
eyes pulsing with
desire
we roll on
dry brown grass
he hits head on light pole
calloused hand liberates me
I straighten my flowered dress
continue my walk
to workplace
where women with owl
eyes, brilliant colored mini skirts,
heels, and rib-pushing torsos
line the cracked sidewalk
playing their tricks
hoping for an afternoon
frolic in the grass
even with a toothless carnivore
