Quiet Walk Through Town

Where I live The land slopes downward Towards Merrick Road Inviting me for a walk. Stopping at a corner I hear my name Turning around I say hello To a neighbor We exchange pleasantries No need to say anymore And I continue on my way. My wife and I have roots here Passing my daughter’s school I remember that July When fathers, Tradesman And office workers alike, Toiled under a hot sun Working together To build a playground. Near the park I coached my son’s soccer team Families came to watch Their children run like the wind Memory tells me It was a good season. On nearby streets I helped neighbors With routine chores Lifting and pushing the unmovable Shiny things for a kitchen Or for the room upstairs Odds and ends We call possessions My wife worked close by To be home When our children Stepped off the school bus Our house ran under Her watchful eye A job never done. In return we are known here And I take every opportunity To walk through a quiet town As early evening Descends On everyone and everything.