Today forecasts rain, maybe a remnant of a hurricane
Umbrellas – check, Purse with moola – check,
Umbrella stroller (just in case) – check, we venture
out into the breezy air of Virginia,
As we walk, mother and child, along the path between
Tidewater and Prince Ann Road, I recollect myself;
Follow a pattern as familiar and whimsical as a kaleidoscope
that small forest marks a pathway - a three-way landmark -
my cute apartment complex,
a nearby community college,
a store with the lion emblazoned on the front.
As quickly I turn to scan my small daughter
who has again let go of my hand
for a private adventure of her own.
With worry and affection I walk back to grab
her small, soft hand,
and she looks up, and says,
“I think there's someone living in the forest!”
Glancing up into emerald trees, I see nothing, but I smile,
grab her hand, laugh at her imagination.
We continue our trek over a winding road
Prince Ann-- a queen mother and
her toddler princess.