A DAY TO BE TRUANT

He crosses the schoolyard, climbs the fence

Into a meadow and is near the road

When he hears that loud voice calling out behind.

Since most of the teachers don’t feel at ease

Entering the meadows and wooded areas,

He sprints across the road and into

The stand of trees covering the nearest hills

Swiftly entering that grove of trees. As the noise

Fades away, he is in his favorite place.

He would stay there if he had a choice,

Not where he lived with Mom and Dad and Sis.

Now he enters the small brook running thorough.

His feet are refreshed by the cooling water—

So clear, that the pebbles glow,

Seeming to shimmer just beneath the surface.

He takes a small swig of water, knowing that

Its clean, sweet taste tingled his mouth and throat.

Now, far away in this a very special corner

Two maple trees hang like a shelter

Where the brook leaps over a small rock ledge.

Here he rests, keeping himself ever so still.

A squirrel appears, washes its face,

Takes a quick drink. Then off to his tree.

Now a rabbit darts by, cotton tail flying  high

While clear calls rise nearby—

From a titmouse, a swallow and the braggart crow.

One tiny bell sounds the approach of a cow

And that far off bark sounds like the dog who

Is his friend but growls at every stranger.

With great hunger, he samples some tidbits

Of nature’s fare, first an Indian radish, then

A berry or two. Chewing now on the twig

Of sassafras root and cheered by the

Whispering autumn winds as he enjoys

The pungent smells from crushed mint leaves

And the wild asters’ perfume.

Long shadows remind him of this day’s end.

Dad expects everyone home at dinner time.

With one last look, he is off and gone.