The Earth Trembles

A small dog (possibly irish) fights a dandelion seed as it puffs upward on a gentle breeze. Pin sharp teeth snap at near misses. I am unleashed walking around a park pond the earth trembles with deep thoughts. Father Thomas in his long black priestly frock is riding an electric scooter. He is smiling at me and nodding as if he knows me. He doesn't, but I know him, and I am not sure about the guy. The sun is rolling out of a bed of clouds, young mothers are showing up pushing strollers. The infants toddle as they ride with their eyes closed. They are dream-walking in their ears. Five yellow ducklings dibble and dabble on a calm surface They sound like lost kittens as they call. An adult Mallard has its head underwater its bottom tail feathers upended. The yellow line of ducklings dibble and babble faster as they converge upon the hope of being found. Joggers are arriving in packs. Soon this place will buzz and swarm, kids will shout out 'mummy, mummy, mummy' for no reason at all and then it will all go quiet. Guest lists will be compiled, reservation booked for more perambulations, but for now the throng disperses one by one each in thoughtful solitude.