Peddler Child

Far too close,

to the street peddler,

a speeding car passes by.

In an instant startled;

in a fleeting second stunned.

The wild flower bouquet,

meets the punishing pavement,

as his weary hand loses its grip.

Shaking,

abashed and ashamed,

fretted and teary eyed,

scattered flowers,

he endeavors to salvage,

in haste.

What we see, you and I,

dispersed,

in red and yellow,

is far from what his eyes see!

Worthless wildflowers,

to you and I;

livelihood, pride,

a proud mother’s smile,

to this peddler child.

Petals crushed,

smeared and smashed,

his descending tears kiss;

tears of shame,

a child remiss!

…

Fragile and frail,

is life to us all.

Hangs by a reedy thread

Our fate after all!