Sidewalk Song

Sidewalk Song

“Apa, apa” she would squeal

And spring up besides the window-seat

Bonny-eyed before the light turned green,

Hand outstretched, “chewing gum, please!”



Disheveled hair, clothes in disarray

Us pavement friends met twice a day

And in the midst of honking throngs,

Our traffic-light friendship grew strong



Three-foot girl, I’d heard for long

Your “apa, apa” side-walk songs

And every time I heard you say

“You said you’d bring me books today!”



Four-feet tall, you’d look at me

Toothy smile but missing three,

Singing “apa, apa, I’m going to school!”

And through the window, I grew too



Unseen by most, her beauty bright

She brimmed and bounced with frank delight,

Teeth pearly-white against dark lips,

And sun-kissed hair until her hips



Five-feet high, you pretty mess

I wish our worlds were windowless

And in the time I’d been away

At the traffic light you stayed



And then she sang our pavement song

“Apa, apa where had you gone?

For you, I brought this book along”



Longingly, she smiled at me

“I drew for you since I cannot read!”