Riley Park

A dozen willows in the park A shady grove on the lawn Eleven tall trees in the sun And one dark stump in the shade. They invite me to join them here: Yes, I'd like to sit here, The fresh breeze and cool shade, With the damp earth, and the rough bark. In the sun, children play games and laugh A mother shares lunch with her baby Birds are busy in the trees Boys play football on the lawn. An artist sets up a little way away, Her studio's a blanket on the lawn. She paints the sunlit willow trees The grove in the middle of the park. I'm still sitting on the stump With the damp earth, and the rough bark. She paints the trees from her blanket, With the sun and the wind in the leaves. I leave the trees. I smile and wave The trees wave back And continue their life. I pass the artist. I smile and wave She smiles back And continues her work.