A Day by the River

just a fun ditty about a personal experience of mine

I walk along the riverside as fallen leaves drift lazily by.

The air still warm from the summer’s sun

touches my skin and I stifle a cry.

For as I sit on a bench my poor feet to rest

a lad jumps up beside me and tries

a backwards flip and I wait for a slip

but he lands on his feet alright!

Now what, says I, is he trying to prove

that he’s daring, brave and all that?

But I tell myself he’s left his brain on the shelf

trading his own for the likes of a cat.

Author's Note

This really happened to me while I was sitting on a bench. It totally caught me off guard and was over in a matter of seconds.

Reviews

[emmajoy]

An calm and interesting starting turning into theatre and then.. allowing you the gift you have to wonder at it and, wonderfully, not be scared by it. If nothing had happened, what then.. you'd not have that extraordinary memory. You've laid the tale in such gentle words too.. sigh. That is such an original and real event.. and unforgetable, Thank you so much for sharing it ..

[Dara]

Hello and thank you Emma! Yes, it definitely was a memorable experience and over before you could say “Jack Flash” I am glad you enjoyed it as well. Take care my friend. Unfortunately these days we are living are no laughing matter but it helps if we can still find humor lurking somewhere in the bushes. (In my case literally) 😊

[Einstein Noodle]

ahahaha what an interesting and unique experience for you Dara! as well as for your readers ... i am in a light hearted place now .. thank you! Do you think he may have been hitting on you dahlink!? ;)
love and joy!
E.

[Dara]

I am laughing out loud as I read this! Could have been a “Harold and Maud” moment. :-D ( Did you see the movie?) Thank you for the giggle this morning. Always great to see you my friend!

[Einstein Noodle]

i have not seen the movie but will check it out asap.

[Coyote Poetry]

A man, like a cat. Would be site to be seen. Hello Dara and thank you for sharing the story in the poetry. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Dara]

Hello and thank you for taking time to read my little ditty and sharIng your words. Always a pleasure to see you here. :-)

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the tale and you are welcome Dara.

[Betty Hermelee]

Some people just like to show off! Can be a bit scary. This is a fun poem to read! Thanks

[Dara]

Thank you Betty! It was very bizarre and yes, a bit scary. I am glad you enjoyed my story :-)

[Betty Hermelee]

You're quite welcome!

[barleygirl]

The best poetry, in my opinion, is being an astute observer of life & then sharing those moments that pop. I love that you shared this unexpected moment shared with another human and you brought us into your own sense of surprise & not knowing exactly what to think! Sometimes it's best not to think . . . just observe . . . which you done well! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Dara]

You have such great insight into this extraordinary encounter. I know for fact I was speechless for a few minutes and did not know what to think. Surely it was not for him to be noticed by an older lady sitting on a bench unless I reminded him of someone (ie teacher, aunt, ;-) It was something that I just had to share and what better place than here. Many many thanks for your thoughts and warm review.

[barleygirl]

I think it's becuz you've been a teacher & you have a very inviting, friendly face . . . I would guess that you draw young people to you, becuz you are interested in them. Lots of adults give off that vibe that they have no time for kids (like parking on a cell phone!)

[Dara]

Why thank you Margie! I hadn't thought of that but it does give me something to go on. I would rather think that then the spinster aunt version. You just made my day :-))))

[barleygirl]

Just observing the observer . . .

[R.E. Ray]

Dara, I live near the Ohio River and often walk the banks, occasionally stopping to enjoy the view. Moments like that seem fated, if only to remind us we're part of nature, like the trees, cats and lads. A good short story expressed in poetic form. Truly enjoyable.

[Dara]

When I think about it, it was a most memorable moment and very fitting with the rest of the walk. I envy you living by the Ohio River. What a magnificent view you must have. I great place to get lost in thought. Thank you for this very fine review and sharing your own experience.

[Relic]

Young people are blind to danger and it consequences. When I was young I rode motorcycles. I'd do the jumps and wheelies and think nothing of it. Now I look back and wonder what I was thinking. Someday, he'll land on his head. And some other day far into the future he too will wonder what he was thinking. :)

[Dara]

So very true but I am impressed with your motorcycle skills. Back in the day I couldn't even figure out how to get one to go forward! Yes those were the days. Fun to think about and marvel that some of us made it this far ;-) Great to see you here!

[John the Baptist]

Youth apparently thinks brain damage is something that happens to other people.

[Dara]

You can say that again! It totally caught me off guard. I am just thankful he was able to pull it off without getting hurt. It is great of you to stop by for a read and review. Thank you so much. :-)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

so cute...cats always land on their feet, not sure little kids do...
in fact, i am sure they don't...but they like think of themselves sometimes, as feline.
this read is such a nice break from the heaviness mostly read here at WC...of which i am as guilty of writing.

this is a smile...meow! by the by...my cat Hank read it...and she just shook her head and purred.
j.

[Dara]

What a wonderful review! Thank you Jacob so much. Interestingly enough the boy was at least 16 years old. I didn’t know if I should be flattered that he was showing off or making fun of a middle age lady resting on a bench, lol. At any rate I was relieved he didn’t get hurt. Tell Hank I said “hi” and thanks for her input ;-))