Published: October 2, 2008

It is not often that I can find

a spot for quiet contemplation,

for surcease from the noise

and bustle of the city.

How lovely to sit

in the cool soft breeze

on a hot day in July

savoring the peace of the moment.

Just over there is a large field

of blooming Black-eyed Susans,

(something one never sees in the city),

under and behind a long galleria of wisteria,

heavy with green leaves,

dripping with lavender flowers.

I read my book.

I sip my water.

I sit quietly under the

dappled light sifting through

the leaves of the tree above me.

There are few to bother me,

only a squirrel or young sparrow

who, unafraid, comes quite close.

A child rides by on his bicycle

equipped with training wheels,

Mamma hard by his side.

They make little noise

as though there were a

‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign

in front of me.

I get up to leave

and nod and smile at

one or two others still there

who are reading as well.

A lovely afternoon

spent refreshing, quietly, alone.