Vanilla

A little boy
Stands on a sidewalk
In the middle of a city.
His mother turns away
From the street vendor
And hands him
His first ice cream cone.

He accepts the treat
With a large grin.
The flavor is vanilla
And from now on,
It will be his favorite.

It's a hot summer day
Only a minute past noon
And one rainbow sprinkle
Starts sliding down
The fast melting treat.
He quickly catches it
With his tongue
And enjoys the sweet sensation
Running over his taste buds.

His hands are a sticky mess,
And his delightful snack
Is dripping on his feet.
Yet he continues to smile.