Fabulous Realities

I was sitting on a bench at a rib-fest,
And about six kids, including my two sisters,
Were running, jumping, and frolicking though a fountain.
It struck me how innocent they all are,
And just how soon that's going to be torn away from them.



Sitting by a wall on Fourth Street the other day,
I was watching a group of friends, or maybe family members, mess around.
I heard one say, "Wait, I want to take a photo!"
And just like that, they had that moment,
Captured forever.



Friend

Tell me, friend,
Why do you frown?
Why do you want to go unnoticed?
Just stare at the ground?
Are you afraid? Unhappy? Just plain down?

I'll tell you, friend,
I'm insecure.
I'm not unhappy.
Afraid? Yeah, sure.
I'm scared, so I stay obscure.

-A.H.