1997.

i stood near the 

fence, waiting

and watching

as you chase 

each other 

around

with imperative voices.

i felt the wind,

and saw the trees,

waving, because

the birds ran away

when they saw 

the sun had shifted

out, to the left.

i walked.

three steps to the right.

you laughed,

and argued

and looked at me.

or sneered at me.

on the playground,

her hands like 

a metronome,

smiling, speaking

to a person

who did not understand.