The Flower

I stood amidst a green field of grass Around me the wind breathed . . . softly Above the world a sun watched over me Below, amid a pond scintillating with light My family, my friends swam and laughter sang to us all I stood apart as always I did in the past before this day Yet this time I did not feel apart, nor alone, no more the outsider For I was there swimming and laughing with them, in spirit I was there And from behind me I listened to soft footfalls approaching But I did not turn around instead I awaited his voice For I knew he had come to speak, to learn so I would listen Together we stood watching my family laughing and swimming Until at last he spoke to bring forth the beginning “Hey, you’re one of those guys aren’t you?” He asked and I felt his frown upon me So I turned to him and withdrew my shades There before me I saw a child standing Who had much to live, much to experience So much to learn and so I smiled A soft smile with gentleness And this I said to him “No, I am not one of those guys, I am one man, nothing more Nothing less, just a man Like you I am a man.” His brow creased as he thought about my words And so I put my hand upon his shoulder and I spoke again “Come, let us join them.” And together the child and I, the man, walked down to my family And when I arrived my family, my friends, greeted me and said “Hello Patches, come and swim with us, laugh with us.” So I did and as I did I felt the child sleep peacefully And I knew, I knew that it was alright For I am just a man, one man Like you