FALSE by Susan Tepper

FALSE

prognosticator 

clenched fists/legs splayed

dead center 

of the empty road.

Howling. 

Near daybreak.

Soon the scythe.

But for now

those inside slept

while clocks ticked.

A few dozy maples

dropped leaves.

Emerging sun 

glinting off houses 

painted weary.

Windows sparked.

Otherwise, stillness.

People sleeping.

Until.

Susan Tepper is the author of nine published books of fiction and poetry.  Her most recent titles are CONFESS (poetry published by Cervena Barva Press, 2020) and the road novel WHAT DRIVES MEN (Wilderness House Press, 2019).  Tepper has received many honors and awards.  She’s a native  ) New Yorker.  www.susantepper.com