Wide Open

in an empty road
between fields of tall white grass
the roof of a car is on fire
like a candle flickering in irises. 

a small hand tugs on the handle over 
and over
tugging pull, 
pull, 
pull, 
pull.

the door enjambed 
his mouth
like a bird
caught in barbed wire;
there is no sound, but the mouth
wide open
as if to speak

in the middle of a classroom
between rows of other kids
he sits.
a tragedy flickering in a dozen, round eyes. 
Ms. Jenkins is trying to persuade, to prove 
something.
"Speak the way I showed you to speak"
he stands
caught in barbed wire;
there is no sound, but his mouth is
wide open.