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.

The Ex

Forced smiles trapped in faded polaroids.

A box marked "memory best forgotten."

Why do I still keep them?

Because they remind me that I am happy now.

Summer Smiles

Hot summer days,
a hotter playground.

An ice cream cone in my hand.

A bump. -Gasp!-

An ice cream cone no more.

Suddenly, a familiar jingle plays.

An ice cream cone in my hand.

Thirst

In a moment of madness I witnessed my funeral. The "mourners" danced and drank; a raging party actually.

Did I want tears instead?

No - I preferred to have a drink.

The Dance Lesson

The speaker crackles. An old record begins to spin.

-Nostalgia?

Perhaps, but when the record plays
-memories flow-
released from the etches of that vinyl disc.

The music starts. A song just as old.

-Shall we dance?

Most certainly. Please follow.
Step, one, two.
Step, three, four.

-Bodies flow-

A wonderful collaboration; youth and age.