Chalk Drawings in Summer by Matthew Johnson

Chalk Drawings in Summer

I see policemen,
Haggling with the neighborhood children.

The cops are offering them free ice cream
If they could use some of their chalk.

The kids just don’t get their bartering,
And we’re both thankful for that.

The police had run out of theirs
From their own drawings in the street.

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Matthew Johnson is the author of the poetry collections, Shadow Folks and Soul Songs (Kelsay Books), Far from New York State (New York Quarterly Press), and the chapbook, Too Short to Box with God (Finishing Line Press). His work has appeared or is forthcoming in The African American Review, Heavy Feather Review, London Magazine, and elsewhere. He has been recognized with several nominations and recognitions, including from the Best of the Net, Grand View University, Hudson Valley Writers Center, and Pushcart Prize. He’s the managing editor of The Portrait of New England and poetry editor of The Twin Bill. https://www.matthewjohnsonpoetry.com/