Haibun

                                       THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

My granddaughter’s sixth birthday.  Ten girls and two boys buzzing like trapped bees in the screened-in patio.  All anxious for the games to begin.

Pin the tail on the donkey first.  Most are too accurate.  Suspect some peeking going on.  Prizes are awarded to everyone.  A bit too soon, it seems.  Nothing left for later.  The birthday girl shrugs.  “Sorry, Mom.  Too late now.”

Pizza and coke and games on the lawn.  Red light, green light, statues, a relay race and a three-legged race.  No tears, but many excited players jumping the starting whistle.

Watching my daughter maintain the pace and the peace, I feel my age.  Once I stood where she stands.  Now I watch and marvel at the speed of time and how some beautiful events repeat themselves.  A comforting awareness.

                                              a soft wind –

                children race to the finish

                                              tripping with laughter

Stylus Poetry Journal, July 2003