A Young Man Looks At A Barometer

He knows many things but cannot guess

what this is. 

Its ancientness digusts him at first,

the worn patina of wood, non digital dial.

He determines not to Google it

or ask anyone older what it is.

So the battle in the hallway goes on.

He frowns severely and stares.

The barometer quietly says,

'Normal Pressure, with Steady Trend.'

He stays and waits to see whether

the thing will change.

But the reading does not waver.

Then, out of instinct, he taps it,

connects a smile and walks away.