Springtime

we've just gotten here and looking around
some bland faces
some cheer
raucous
speakers and old songs for sound.
you wonder, just low beside me,
under your breath, "how long has this been here?"
"for friggin ever," i answer, "didn't you know?"
walking here and there then stopping
to chat with you
and You - such a diplomat!
precious forbearance
my girl and i
perfect attendance as ghosts
float by.
easy in
easy out
a small smile and a lump in my throat,
sunshine and flowers
April showers -
all out of time
and time
to get back to those bells
all around us
chime, then,
chime.

22 April 2003