A Walk on a Pier

Van · Posted: Sun Jun 15, 2003 11:15 am Post subject: A Walk on a Pier

It was cloudy, June gloom they call it. The wind was blowing ashore, the sea was green-gray. Mom and I walked slowly over the uneven planks of the pier. We we celebrating her 86 birthday.

As we walked we noticed a bunch of kids fishing. They were about 8 or 9, holding small spinning reels. Smiles were everywhere. Then I noticed an uneven movement, a hand that did not quite hang right. The kids were from some care facility. But they were having a great time and it made our day.

As we approached the end of the area where they were fishing we noticed a smaller child, sitting in the middle of the pier. She had beautiful black hair. She was about 5 and she was not moving. Her hand was outstreached, palm up on the pier plank. Birds, pigeons, were pecking the deck near her. In her still hand were a few seeds. Her face was frozen in a smile. The birds pecked closer. She did not move. The wind blew through her hair.

She was happy, she was learning about patience, and learning not to fear.
My mom looked at me, and smiled, children had been her life. Mine too.
Happy Father's Day