Children ride their bikes
Around the playground path
In orbits and retrogressions.
A small boy strains against his
Pedals, pushing his own weight
Up a gentle rise, into a stiff breeze.
A girl traverses monkey bars
Hand over hand, perfecting her
One-way trip. She starts to work on
Turning at the far end where
She fails, drops to a crouch in soft sand,
Then climbs the rungs to try again.
Warm sun and chill wind play
On the last day without coats.
Under cap bills every face
Squints at low-angled light.
Leaves recall a summer’s worth of sun
In red and yellow flames.
Pendulums creak and groan,
Pacing hidden escapements.
Even unoccupied swings
Meter time for light, air,
Gravity, and those who watch
Children ride toward afternoon.
October 29, 2006
Devon Marsh 