Benches

I walked across a bridge today
A park bench my final destination
I relieved myself of a day of shopping
And prepared to devour a new novel
First taking in my familiar surroundings

A young couple occupying another bench
I would say of teenage category
Switched to a whisper as we exchanged smiles
A giggle or two ruminating concerning our obvious
Age disparity, I could only surmise

Mrs. Applebee claimed her usual spot
Much like a box seat at the ballet
Entranced in the ongoing performance
As the pigeons vie for her attention
Mr. Applebee long since passing

Jake and Taylor here every day
Playing checkers win or loose
Always a collage of onlookers
A Rockwell constantly changing
As the days shadows lengthen

You, sitting there taking in the world
Soaking in all life has to offer
New to our parade of seekers and onlookers
Just passing through, just on this day
An expression giving way to suspicion

While the trees danced and billow
To their own private serenade
I hesitated before returning to the print
For I was in pursuit of the elusive, the tempting,
The perfect day on the bench