In The Park

I sit on the bench
Built for more than one
It's green paint worn and weathered
Names from the past carved boldly
Past occupiers meet the present

Here many have sat
Some in love with hugs
Others hearts saddened by loss
All seeking peace and solitude
Some finding, all moving on

Behind a tree stands
Branches cast comforting shadows
Leaves, natures confetti fall and drift away
Children climb up, their first adventure        
Fathers urge higher, mothers scold

The gentle wind warms
Blows the loose and untidy
Leaves, thoughts, tears, feelings, and all
 Love and pain rolled together
Each seeking to heal each other

Couples walk
Hand in hand, eyes staring
Step by step, in step their lives pass by
Today's hopes and dreams important
Tomorrow a different stage, a different play 

Children play
A ball, a laugh, a goal scored
Torn shirts, grazed knees
Faces, dirty, with priceless smiles
“I don't want to go home Mum”

Dogs run
Some free others not
Games of throw fetch and drop
Again and again the same game is played
Tired legs and wagging tails

Old people sit
Eyes glazed, knowing smiles
Living memories in the present
Remembering youth, feeling age
Ages past seem so near



The sun shines boldly
Warming cold hearts
Lifting fun to heights unknown
Shadows are formed
Shapes made never to be remade

I sit, I watch, I listen
I am a part of everybody
They are part of me
The park is us
And we are the park

It kidnaps us as we walk past
Peace, freedom, and fun
Are the ransom prices asked
Then freeing us to our world
We promise to return