The Rainbow Behind My Back

He never came around much, and never stayed too long. Carried a vial of whiskey in a paper sack, sang a song. But this day was special, my heart was so alive. I carried a sack too, with candy, today I'm five. He had said, "Come on son, let's go to town, get a treat." Joy filled my little being. I felt all of ten feet. Wrapped me a suck in my sack, cherry, my favorite kind. As he slugged away on his bag, I slued away on mine. My little legs, nearly running, three steps to his one. But the sun was shining, we were together, father and son. He spoke little that I could understand. About dreams lost. Said I should follow the rainbow, forget the cost. He said "life is short, pleasures few, so have a good time." We followed the path through the woods, his hand in mine. We walked beside the railroad track, till the sun dipped low. How far? Five or six miles- couldn't tell, didn't know. My short legs were aching, but I never complained. For in the distance, I could hear the approaching train. He sat me on a rack and said, "Let's rest a spell." He was getting tired too, from his walk, I could tell. As the clamor of the train grew louder, I became excited. "I'll see the train up real close", I said delighted. It grew louder and louder, till it was all I could hear. I laughed aloud, looked at pop. On his face was a tear. He jumped, ran to the passing train, lunged into an open door. I screamed and cried "Don't go!", but never saw him anymore. His crumbled bag lay on the ground, a memory at my feet. He had said, "Lets go to town, get a treat." I threw my bag on the ground, all the sweets spilled out. At five it was only candy, but it was my life no doubt. Belief, trust, hope, faith, love, burst forth onto the ground. I sat there on my rock and cried, till the sun went down. Then with a tear stained face i turned to follow the railroad track Knowing all the while, there was a rainbow, Somewhere behind my back.