Inconsequential

I slapped the top of the pond and watched the rippling waves.

I almost cried.
I knew in my heart, no matter how much of
a fuss,
a ruckus,
a fit
or
a scene I made --

my true feelings would never be able to ride these ripples
and reach your guarded shore.

Innocence

She held my hand tight.
It was her first time;
I felt her anticipation.

Suddenly a small bolt shot into the sky.

Pop.

A flourish of color.

Pop.

Another flourish. She grasped my hand tighter.
I looked down and smiled, taking in the pure joy and jubilee on her face.

"Happy 4th of July sweetheart."

The Veteran

I watched as he sat in a recliner, his body slumped into it. He stared intently out the sliding door window, watching the trees sway in the breeze.

In his eyes, I saw an infinite sadness. One found only in those so jaded that even cynics would come to see optimism.

He sighed.
I sighed.

Silence.

I couldn't help but to ask myself: "Has he given up on life?"
Unfortunately, I came to a much sadder conclusion:
Life had given up on him.