Parading in the Rain

On that strange day 

with rain on the other 

side of the street

while I sat in sunshine

reading your message

that parted the clouds

I let myself be entertained 

by the possibility of you                

gracious you.

As my heart leapt and ran 

quickly down the street

parading in the rain

in silent observation

my mind--buried deep in 

the noisy crowd--would soon realize 

your act of kindness

was nothing more than caring 

one heart for another

   

but rather than mourn 

the dream unrealized

I gave thanks for you

and a vision so strong

the sun came out to see it

on a rainy day

and as I quietly watched 

my foolish heart 

leading the parade 

my only thought was

“Let him have his day,

I’ll tell him later.”

for M.M.

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   December 2014