In between the delphiniums
and the hollyhocks.
Beside the potting shed
with creeper walls.
Rested the old wheelbarrow
dented rusted and aged.
Thoughts of my childhood
when I was  just a girl return to me.
Daddy would sit me in the wheel barrow
and give me a ride.
All around the garden
as I squealed in delight.
suddenly I am overwhelmed
I have a need to see
his kind eyes once more.
Hear his soft gentle voice
so mellow and kind
so sweet to me.
I want feel like
his little girl once more
safe and secure.
The need to find him
is beyond anything.

I look all over the gardens for him.
Then I see him stood by the maple tree.
He is wearing his old knitted sweater
that Mom knitted for him.
With  his corduroy gardening pants.
In his mouth his sweet aromatic pipe
that was always an extension of him.
the smell fills my soul.

He said softly
"Hello Kitten"
my eyes misted
no one but my Daddy
ever called me that.
I said Hello Daddy he took his pipe
from his mouth
His smile lit up the place
For a single moment
I felt secure and safe.
I was six once more but he faded.
into the ether of infinity.

My childhood was long passed
replaced by my womanhood.
All that was left was the
indelible memories
of long ago  times past.
Tears fell from my eyes as I
wept to go back,
even for just  one moment.

Then a noise as I looked around
at the arrival of the new owners.
A young handsome man and his wife
with thier  little son.
Who shouted in delight.
"Daddy there’s a wheelbarrow,
can I have a ride?"