Taco Night at Emily’s   The take-out taquería had just what I wanted – they rolled it up thick and juicy – a fine June evening for a stroll – but where to picnic? – Her place was just a few steps up the street – nice house, welcoming lawn, a bench under the elms – nobody home or so it seemed – but somehow I was drawn to the door – maybe hear her read a poem – see if she wore black or white – maybe offer her a bite or simply shoot the breeze – chat about things with feathers – things that haunt our hearts – A sign on the door made me laugh – WORK ZONE, DANGER – No kidding, I thought – she’s up there – under the eaves – telling it slant.     © Michael Fleming Brattleboro, Vermont July 2026