The Children of Sugar Loaf Mountain

Trail maps
folded into
tiny paper airplanes
litter the path
of my ascent.

A young boy sits
in his driveway
washing his shadow
with a soapy sponge.

Something right in my life

My son's
wonder for fireflies
and
fear of sparklers

Clowns Cups and Monkey Mugs

It's not illusion or psychology.
I understand
that it actually
tastes better
in the right container.

After the Carnival

Painted faces
rush
the door

then promptly plop
upon the
floor.

Huddled close
to watch
cartoons

They sleep
away the
afternoon.

Carried soon
to bed
I find

A rainbowed
spot of drool
behind

Her Favorite One

The glass panicked
and threw itself over
the counter's edge.
My daughter asked
if we should say a few
words.

Porch Swing

Smushed bananas
sandwiched
hands

Juicy smiles
and melon
strands.

Teeth that
shine through
mud and smudge

Screams about
the chocolate
fudge

What is learned

Why does it float?
I wondered
if in my
answering
he learned
more
about what
counts --
as a good
explanation
than about
why things
sink or don't.