she opens the door as if emerging from sleep
she tried to vote early but her ride never showed

my eyes drift to her hand
resting on a pregnant belly
behind her I see her husband
laying on the floor
with their little son

a new citizen
this is her first election
only voter in the house

we call
a union member
Local 11

someone to open the door
extend a hand to her
when she steps out of the car

someone to walk with her
to the polling center
and drive her home

we wait together on the steps
her son plays with my shield
and widens his ludic orbit

he jumps
bounces
springs

and then her chariot pulls up
a young man smiles 
and takes her to vote