A Stroll through the Willows
Under the sun of a brisk spring day
with small clouds wandering in blue skies
we walked among The Willows
our ocean-side park.
With the clarity of the spring air
we walked to strengthen her rebuilt knee.
We passed the common green
the Tennis, and Basketball courts
near the picnic areas beneath the trees
to the bench-lined walking path
that follows the coast as the park juts out into the sea.
We sat and listened to the seagulls squawk
the politicians of the ocean
making noise with only their self-interest at heart.
We noticed an ant-eater and an alligator’s head
being shaped by the clouds
only to fall victim to the sailor’s wind.
Across the harbor spanned the bridge
that joins us to our neighboring town.
On the far side we saw the marina
and the hundreds of vinyl-wrapped boats
waiting to be launched
three beaches there on the far side also wait
for warmer weather and children free of school.
We too shall wait, for all those things.
As we walked again, we passed the yacht club
Its moorings were set, but the seasonal landings
had not yet been installed
(They have to be hauled from their winter storage )
Life too, has landing spots that need hauling.
We made our way past the fishing and docking pier
out to the point and a view of the harbor islands.
We sat for a spell and wondered
what life would have been like when
those islands were the playgrounds for Boston’s elite.
They came for the Casino and not much more.
That’s all gone now.
One of the islands is inhabited
and the others are for recreational use only.
We headed back in, and the smell of popcorn
pulled us to restaurant row
(not like it used to be so long ago).
We stopped for our favorite snacks
and talked with some friends
then walked past the old carousel
and the other kiddie rides as well.
We passed the arcades
so popular with the young
who were now on spring break
and then we headed back …
Home.