A splotch of red
bobbing in the distance
too far to discern clearly
a funky hat or painted hair I presume
fashionable in this neighborhood
I am curious
A young father takes shape
daughter high on shoulders
little arms clasped tightly round his forehead
ankles firmly in grasp
Orphan Annie hair
bouncing down the sidewalk
chattering away
unabashedly engaged
oblivious to time
or place
or circumstance
Dormant shadows awaken
laughter bubbles out
unexpected tears leak through my mustache
sweet melancholy enfolds me
I glance at the mirror
smile ruefully
and cling to the memory
for just a while longer
Marv Himmel
April 5, 2015 ©