Orange public compost boxes chatter
in the sunshine by trash and recycling bins
parked on residential streets.
Tempted with a token card, their square lids gape
for pails of peelings, wilted fruit, and table scraps.
In the lighted alcoves after dark, old men sit on camp stools.
They watch soapy dramas and eye passersby,
ready to bark at those who ignore enormous faded banners
that declare specific days for paper, days for glass,
for plastic bottles, wrappers, Styrofoam, and metal.
At midnight these crusty guards ride off on creaking bicycles.
Then stray cats and rubbish scofflaws sneak out
with empty bellies and full bags,
and torn illicit piles overspill the bins at dawn.
Jeju Disposal
