We got a new fire hydrant.

We saw them put it in the other day

as we peered through the curtains like schoolchildren.

Some guy came barreling down the street.

He drove into the old hydrant

taking it clean off its base.

It wasn't like in the movies

with water gushing out

like an upside-down downpour.

Instead, it just lay there

in the dirt beside the road,

waiting.

Then they came with a big truck.

The new fire hydrant

was on the back.

They painted it bright yellow.

But I can't help but wonder -

What will the dogs think?

Story and Illustration Copyright © 2021 by Michael DeFrancesco