A Vote

I walked two blocks
this afternoon
through crinkled leaves and
old litter, past
shut-eyed houses and
faded murals
to a worn
community center.

I know the many things
that no politician
will ever change
in one election cycle,
they clatter
against my ribs
on a long, thin chain.

I do not expect miracles
from any of these
flesh and bone men.

But on a day like today
when the nation
stretches with wide palms
reaching

I left my vote
on the table
and a spiky hope
followed me
home.