A Picture at a Spring Exhibition

April’s afternoon rides
on a back of
a motley carousel
around and around,
up and down and
lacquered steeds
reined by sunrays
spin and race
under the coned tent.
A three-piece suit
beneath a black fedora
slightly bent, carrying
an attaché case and
a solemn expression
on his determined face,
hurries by without
so much as a glance
at that child’s delight.
He stops,
stands for a moment,
turns slowly around –
seems moving
the carousel into his view,
then looks back,
as if to continue
on his resolute way,
then turns once again,
takes a few steps and …
buys a ticket.
A flying wooden horse
lifts him out of
his buttoned day
into a curt brush
with his childhood.
An imperceptible smile
for a fleeting while
lingers on his lips
within a parkscape
of early April.