Dan Provost

Here’s Looking at You Kid

 

For that child

whose eyes shyly

peek through the chained

linked fence, that surrounds

the playground.

 

I see you when I walk the dog,

standing alone, frayed blue

coat, black, stained sweatpants…

 

You remain stoic in the corner.

While other children run and play…

 

Burning off energy during recess

 

Waiting for Bella to

look up at you and acknowledge your

presence.

 

I wave hi,

you slowly wave back.

 

As we continue our stroll around the corner.

You follow, not saying a word…

 

Suddenly, a smile--

 

as my dog and I walk out of

sight.

 

A minute of happiness.

I hope.

A former collegiate offensive lineman and football coach for 26 years, Dan Provost’s poetry has been published both online and in print since 1993.  He is the author of 15 books/chapbooks.  His latest, Wolf Whistles Behind the Dumpster was released by Roadside Press in November 2022.  He has been twice nominated for The Best of the Net and has read his poetry throughout the United States.  He lives in Berlin, New Hampshire with his wife Laura, and dog Bella.