two fans stand

silent sentries

ready to fend

off the heat

when it descends

on the house,

the block,

the city-

gripping all in its humid hand,

choking me with heavy air,

raising perspiration and tempers-

swelling, waiting to explode-

until the cool night air

enters (stage right),

relieving pressure,

forming dew,

causing fans to

still: silent sentries

at the ready...

---CCC '88