Bob Lucky
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The World Is Full of Heroes

After every glass of beer, Ron claims someone else to be his hero. I notice the beer garden is carpeted in fallen jacaranda blossoms, but it's not an observation that fits neatly into the conversation. As the night darkens our view, I turn to him and ask if I could be his hero. "Why not?" he mumbles, "Anyone who does what I ought to do but don't is a hero to me." I ask what I've done to become his hero. "Could you get me another beer?" he asks.

moonlight puddles
around green plastic tables—
draining my glass
a hole in the Big Dipper
almost visible