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A Conversation With Amos On a Bench By the Limerick Bandstand
"Howdy Amos”, “Howdy Seth” as Amos points to the empty seat
Next to him on the bench by the Limerick Town Bandstand.
Amos t’aint much for words but he’s a pretty good pointer.
“Whatcha doing, Amos?” “Sittin’”.
Did I say Amos t’aint much for words?
However, it seems that Amos likes to sit on the bench during the shift break
At the Limerick Woolen Mills and wave at passing cars.
Words t'aint Amos’ strong point, but he’s a mighty good waver.
Another thing he’s good at; jumping barrels on the frozen pond
Behind his house in West Newfield.
I’m sure he practices after school when nobody’s around
'Cause he seems too good for a novice barrel jumper.
It’s said he claims the world's record of four barrels;
Something unheard of in these parts of Maine.
I’ve been working my way up to two, myself.
Every now and then he glances at the Town Hall across the street
And I’m sure he’s thinking about Irene and next Saturday’s dance.
Before long, I discover the real reason he’s been sitting there.
It t’aint for waving at cars; he’s been for waiting for Irene to get out of school.
As she waves from across Central Street, he retrieves his bicycle,
The one he’s hidden on the other side of the bandstand
And the last image I have of him is he and Irene coasting
Down Central Street Hill with Irene sitting on the handlebars
And Amos confidently dodging last winter’s potholes
Dreaming of Irene and their first dance next Saturday night.
Copyright ©
Philip Mygatt
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