Authors note; a different interpretation by ”In Just” by ee Cummings

The balloon man 

He brings rainbow colored rubber 

Larger than the sun 

He limps up and down the sidewalk all day 

Waiting for children to come and play 

He always goes home at night 

Much to parents’ delight 

He dresses up all in black robes 

Covering him in a cloud of ash-colored mist 

Children see him and run to him 

Grasping the string of his balloons 

The tiredness leave their eyes 

Their skin once a glowing tan 

Turns to milk their eyes lifeless 

Their bodies collapse to the grass 

The balloon man leans down closing 

The eyes of children near and far 

”may you sleep now in peace little one... Forever” he whispers solemnly 

He disappears riding away on the dark rain clouds filled with gallons of 

the tears of mourning parents.