I was catching some afternoon sun,

Sitting on the garden wall by the pavement.

A woman came along with two young children

On their pedal bikes, a boy and a girl.

Riding along the side walk

As Mummy watched closely,

A hand ready for instant support.

 

They weren't going very fast.

I stood back and smiled, 'Hello.'

Their faces lit up with pleasure

And all three stopped at once,

Clustered a safe distance away.

The rosy little girl said, 'I'm four.

I can't peddle yet, but I can keep up.'

The lad chimed in, 'I'm six and I can peddle.'

'She's learning every day.' said Mum.

Her daughter beamed.

'Yes, I can see that. It won't be long now.

And then you can ride together.'

 

The children sparkled with friendliness.

Their mum leaned a little forward,

A sense of impossible privacy.

'They're so chatty. I hope you don't mind.'

'Mind?' I chuckled. 'They are delightful.

Chatty children are happy children.

My little girls thought our whole town

Was one big family.'

 

She smiled, and gathered her chicks.

I turned away as they passed,

And climbed back up to my flat,

Warmed more by people than by sunshine.

 

Cynthia Buell Thomas, May 2020