My Cardboard Balcony

To Be A Superhero by Belinda Roddie To be a superhero, I need good shoes, a jacket to brave the cold, and some spring in my step. I need the cash to buy the guy sleeping on the curb a coffee and a croissant to tide him over. I need the right words to console a crying student during a rough day after class. I need a cellphone to dial helpline numbers or check on friends as needed. I need an arm fit for serving at the soup kitchens and shoulders strong enough to load boxes at the food drive. Notice that I didn't mention a cape or a mask or spandex. And no, I don't need anyone I "rescue" to remember my name.

Manic Lights by Belinda Roddie Meanwhile, at the lounge, the dancing had become more feverish.