doors

they stole the doors
off my car while i was sleeping.

i walked all over town
that day trying to see
where someone might 
have taken them, peering
down driveways 
& alleyways.

i posted pictures
of the doors of my car
on the telephone poles.
my signs read IF FOUND
PLEASE CALL [inset 
my number here].

there are so many
uses for a car doors;
wings, planes, plates.

i entertain the thought
that they could have left
on their own, joined
a flock of car doors
headed south for the winter.

i wouldn't blame them,
it's cold here. 

whenever i hear geese 
i rush to the window 
in case it's them.

(i don't often hear geese
but i do hear airplanes,
none of which are the doors
of the car).

driving is an encounter
with wind now without the doors.

i try to be thankful 
for it. doors off:
i pretend i'm flying 
to Buenos Aires 
(or some other
beautiful place i've only 
encountered in 
Spanish textbook photos).

at least there's nothing
to lock anymore. my car

lays open in the parking lot
& i tell her to not be afraid.

the wind moves through her
& the seat belt clinks
against the door frame.