Fire hydrants

The birds are louder in their song
now that the people are staying inside
and the cars are parked at home.
Birds chirping by their lonesome with
only the squirrels and chipmunks to
appreciate their hopeful tune.

Last year I remember seeing
a man carefully painting all of the
fire hydrants a fresh coat of red
and I thought it must be a satisfying
job to make each hydrant in the city
bright and ready to be of service.

I walk alone and imagine the
children getting ready for bed
or negotiating for 10 more minutes.
Toys left out on the lawn,
a bottle of bourbon being poured,
a tea kettle whistling, a book opened.

Neighbors settling in,
dimmed by months inside
but ready to be of service.