Friday, May 16, 2003

Memories

A young girl sits on a swing slowly making her way back to the Earth below her. Laughter rings out around her as a warm breeze whistles through the trees. A dog runs by followed by a little boy not much older than she. She smiles a playful smile as a voice cries out yelling to drop the toy. Her bare feet touch the cool dirt for a brief second before she is off to help her friend. Her giggles add to the music that perks the ears of an older gentleman sitting on a bench nearby. He can't see her hair flying behind her or the grass stained clothes of the young boy but he smiles nonetheless. Memories of his children and grandchildren take him to another time.

Shouts of triumph ring through the park as the dog gives up the coveted toy. Exhaustion causes the children to fall onto the grass. Breathlessly they stare up at the sky playing a child's game that adults have long forgotten how to do. The clouds take shape for them as they enjoy the innocence of their youth.

The sound of a cell phone ringing brings a young mother back to the present. She quickly stands willing the phone to stop ringing so she can return to her private never-never land. Her mature mind reminds her of the late hour as one hand adjusts the blanket covering the infant in the stroller next to her. One day her daughter will have fond memories in this park also.