Caravan

Daily
an animated line of little people
are led by the house.
A trio of smiling ladies lead, flank, and take up the rear.
The squirmy train snakes along the path
each boy and girl held close by a loop of coarse rope.
Hands hold the tether, tight
walking, half-stumbling, moving along the sunny street
unconsious, dreaming of lunch, that big cupcake,
their dog, the cat in the window,
or the morning’s fable still fresh in their mind.

Not speaking to them directly
from my bench nearby -
I’m careful to make eye contact with the smiling ladies,
as I address them all,
“Hello, kids. Have a nice day. Enjoy your walk.”

I wave, sadly, missing my chance
to pick one up and hug one, tight,
hoping a little innocence and joy would rub off.