The Bench in the Park

I am alone and covered with snow

But it won't always be so.

When Spring begins and Winter ends
People will come to the park once again.

The old man will be back
Who throws crusts of bread to the birds
And talks to them as if they listen
And understand his words.

He'll tell them about his wife
How beautiful she was
And about his daughter away at college
And how he's proud of what she does.

Young lovers will also return
Who sit with me holding hands
Talking softly about their dreams
And dreamily about their plans.

Young mothers will also be back
Rocking their babies to sleep

Softly singing lullabies
While sitting here with me.

I am alone and covered with snow
But it won't always be so.

Poem by Steve Doyle

Photograph by Susan Doyle