A normal day at the park:
Clear blue sky.
Just before lunch:
Peak toddler Time.

Kids running everywhere;
Tired parents following.
The sounds of kids permiate the park:
Laughing,
Screaming,
Squealing.

Squeaking.

The squeak squeak of the swing
Settles over the park,
Cutting through the sounds of play.
Squeak.
Squeak.

The beat of the pendulum varies:
Slow, fast, faster
Slow again
Then faster, faster.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

That kid has endurance.
Or the parent pushing has patience.

I finally get a moment to look over.

You were there:
Early twenties
– College student maybe? –
Short brown hair,
Facing away from the play equipment,
Staring into the distance,
Pumping your legs
Higher and higher
No kid in sight

Carefree,
Joyful,
Encouraging.

Be free.
You do you.
No judgement here,
Other than to tell you
You’re awesome.

Your carefree spirit is contagious
And I leave smiling,
Looking at life in a new way.