Lallygag

Today's word is "lallygag": to spend time idly; loaf. Do I sense some judgement in this definition? Is that even possible?

Almost
Sunshine streams through scudding clouds,
Voices brush against each other on the street,
And sculptures watch us as we pass,
Regarding us from within their mysterious forms.

The atmosphere is a happy flirtation ...
Water sparkles and covered boats bob restlessly ...
Dreaming, perhaps of departing summer days.
This afternoon was made for the lallygagging lovers of good things.

Macaroons, and pumpkin-flavored latte cheer as
A band of guitared boys passionately performs for quarters,
Grateful for an audience that shares their joy. A side-bound
Musician cannot keep his fingers from plucking strings of air.

If I could design a memory, it would look like this.
Happy children running from wonder to wonder
Pausing only long enough to tuck themselves into
Sweatshirts where hidden inside they turn to mushrooms.

Shuffling through this, last giddy Saturday of summer,
Stunned by its beauty and surprise, is to taste your life
as it parades before your eyes ... sighing, singing,
Saying all is well, though winter's woes follow close behind.

Anne aselleck
Copyright 2013