Latania Avenue

Latania Avenue

The elderly man leaves his cat on the lawn,
in routine, our eyes meet, feline yellow - girl green
She rises as if her intent is to follow,
but I know she’ll not walk beyond three sidewalk seams.

To my left, many geese are afloat in the pond.
I imagine the tiniest Viking boat fleet.
Off to pillage or plunder, explore...I daydream,
and they silently paddle, black leathery feet.

Ahead is a lamppost, dark iron, white light.
The gnats, they’ll be gathered, one large motion-cloud.
I raise my hands high, and I wave my way through,
back to the safety of evening’s deep shroud.

Sparkling drops fanning out, traveling through the night sky.
The house on the corner is watering grass.
My steps just within the crisp fringe of the spray.
Hot shoulders relieved by the mist as I pass.

Greedy mosquitoes, no doubt, have been feasting.
Itchy hard welts start to grow on my arms.
But scratching the bumps, I turn home with a smile.
I enjoy evening walks and their curious charm.