Perspective

Late spring and people gather at the park. A stopover for migrating birds. A place of contentment until it isn't.  

Perspective

Reams of yellow police tape flutter

fitfully. The usual park-goers gone,

only EMTs pacing.

At a distance, a string of searchers

like cut-out paper dolls holding hands

scuff through brush and cattails.

The grounds without visitors

restyled into a resort-like spot

for migrating flocks

unperturbed by the rumbles

of a circling helicopter

and a boat trolling the lake.

But the thrumming holds unease

for those of us blurring the periphery.

Marilyn Aschoff Mellor