-consideration of an installation-

the town's folk are well represented.

I see the first row of free-standing chairs

have soft upper backrests and seats, whereas

the rest of the chairs in the Hall are of the folding metal type

with no such regard for user comfort. 

old Mrs. Fernando has taped placards

to the pliable backrests of the first
row of chairs, marked: “RESERVED”,

indicating that dignitaries will be in attendance.

a long, banquet-type folding table

is set-up on the ridiculously spacious stage
with ample seating for specially selected
moderators from the Board of Selectmen.

I assume they'll pass the mic along hand-to-hand

during discussions, otherwise, why such a long cord?

there’s a standing mic in the aisle for townsfolk

to voice opinions, constrained only by the allotted one minute rule.

"Please Do Not Remove Mic From Stand"

I continue to be distractingly curious about the front

row of free-standing chairs marked: “RESERVED”

and when I inquire of Mrs. Fernando

as to whom will be occupying them,

she curled her mouth, shook her head

and wagged an index finger back and forth

like an agitated elementary schoolteacher.

I laughed and asked if the Pope was in town.

instead, I was motioned to take a seat with a stern
directional nod of her head which indicated to me
that I should sit in the fifth row, third chair from the aisle,

and once there, keep my mouth shut.

It wasn't difficult to notice that old Mrs. Fernando was sporting

a definitive "YES!" button pinned to her rhinestone-speckled sweater,

but later, after a slight adjustment to the microphone's stand
and one last glance to the still unoccupied reserved seating section,
I’ll be voicing my objection to the proposed installation, sporting my

oversized, overzealous button: "Vote NO! on the proposed Installation"!

Swansea