Alone

I pedal down the street.

toward the center of town.

I ride around clothing

photo albums, potted plants

alarm clocks, baby toys, framed pictures

laptop cases, cell phone chargers

sleeping bags.

I come to the parking lot

for the Park-n-Ride on the corner

by the megachurch.

Half-packed suitcases

lie open on the sidewalks.

This must be where they loaded

everyone onto the transports.

What did Mom call it?

The embarkation point?

If the streets and sidewalks are any

indication, it looks like people

had to leave a lot of belongings behind.

I coast around the street searching

for any signs of anyone.

Hello?

              Anyone here?

                                     Hello?

             HELLO? CAN ANYONE HEAR ME?

I get off my bike and

turn in circles.

I scan every direction

for movement of any kind.

Sounds come

from the bus shelter.

I run

hoping

someone

is

still

 

there.