In trying to maintain
A stance of silent contemplation
I almost missed the
Playground sounds
That drifted past,
Accompanied by chicadas -
The fanfare of a carnival band
Playing down the sun,
Lighting the remains of the day.
In trying to remain
Sober and reflective
I almost missed the man
Leading two white oxen
(bony, regal)
Down the dusty path.
The fall of light
Across their flanks
Waylaid me and
I turned away to
Follow them over the
Everyday field
Where dirty children
Begged small denomination
Notes to pose
For tourist photographs.
