Sep 2011
The blue freeze pop seemingly stains the boy’s lips as he exits the kitchen,
Quickly employed is the process of melting on this hot summers day. At five years old, he
takes the steps down towards the pool deck foot by foot, holding the railing as if he had never taken a step in his life.
The world is his, not existing past the edge of the yard, which is safely guarded by a picket fence. The sun shines down aggressively, reflecting the bright orange color of his water-wings on his face, his blue eyes still vibrant and innocent as he squints to maintain his focus.
As he browses the surface of the pool I can feel him contemplating his next move as he watches his younger sister. The three year old is naturally processing; questioning my ability to catch her if she decides to take what seems to be her fifth leap of faith since this morning, yet the smile on her face hasn’t changed.
He grasps a water gun, says “fight with me junior”
He, being the only one armed, I say, “Let’s find a game we can play together”
He shrugs as he once again realizes the existence of his sister, and ponders what could be next. I splash him once and he hurriedly discards the plastic freeze pop sleeve on a reclining chair, left behind like the activities of yesterday.
Fittingly, the sister has the knack to explore, like Dora, the character she admires and adores.
Without speaking they move together towards the emerald green raft, and together they drag it to the edge of the pool.
“Here” the boy said.
“Yeah. Here!” she exclaims with a childish grin.
“Good idea” I reply.
They look at each other as if they had won a prize, then silently exchanging looks before the boy takes charge.
He jumps on the raft wildly and she follows in tow, but with the same caution that she had had just moments ago.
They sit together, they laugh, they smile they play, innocently, before the stresses of life can attack and grab hold of the loving relationship that they currently share.
I find that the simple pleasures of life are as free for today,
As are the smiles that both of the children convey.
There is nothing in the world that I’d trade for this beautiful summer display,
and I cherish every single second that I spent on this day
Quickly employed is the process of melting on this hot summers day. At five years old, he
takes the steps down towards the pool deck foot by foot, holding the railing as if he had never taken a step in his life.
The world is his, not existing past the edge of the yard, which is safely guarded by a picket fence. The sun shines down aggressively, reflecting the bright orange color of his water-wings on his face, his blue eyes still vibrant and innocent as he squints to maintain his focus.
As he browses the surface of the pool I can feel him contemplating his next move as he watches his younger sister. The three year old is naturally processing; questioning my ability to catch her if she decides to take what seems to be her fifth leap of faith since this morning, yet the smile on her face hasn’t changed.
He grasps a water gun, says “fight with me junior”
He, being the only one armed, I say, “Let’s find a game we can play together”
He shrugs as he once again realizes the existence of his sister, and ponders what could be next. I splash him once and he hurriedly discards the plastic freeze pop sleeve on a reclining chair, left behind like the activities of yesterday.
Fittingly, the sister has the knack to explore, like Dora, the character she admires and adores.
Without speaking they move together towards the emerald green raft, and together they drag it to the edge of the pool.
“Here” the boy said.
“Yeah. Here!” she exclaims with a childish grin.
“Good idea” I reply.
They look at each other as if they had won a prize, then silently exchanging looks before the boy takes charge.
He jumps on the raft wildly and she follows in tow, but with the same caution that she had had just moments ago.
They sit together, they laugh, they smile they play, innocently, before the stresses of life can attack and grab hold of the loving relationship that they currently share.
I find that the simple pleasures of life are as free for today,
As are the smiles that both of the children convey.
There is nothing in the world that I’d trade for this beautiful summer display,
and I cherish every single second that I spent on this day
