A Child of Hope

Tap-tapping from a white
cane resonates like the beat
of a cautious drum

leading a pale-faced
boy through aisles of produce

fingers poking as a hummingbird
at various shelves
absorbs the
crinkle of a spaghetti package
chin uplifted immersed in
unfamiliar sounds.

Mom’s rainbow smile says
it all proud of her son
turned ten today and ‘born again’
during last Sunday’s service.

© Richard L. Provencher