Glimpses on the library steps

Before class –

On the steps of the library, a

Freckled boy stands tall under his umbrella

Polka-dotted and colorful

Brown curly hair combed high

Black bow tie against white shirt

Shiny lapels against black jacket

He clutches flowers to his chest

Bright, wrapped in pink paper

Creased pants and black shoes

As shiny as his bright eyes

After class –

A different boy adorns the wet steps

Closed umbrella dangling from his fingertips

Lapels less shiny than before

Wilted petals still clutched to his chest

Shirt more gray than white

Eyes more dull than bright

From his bowed head tumble mahogany locks

Soggy and sagging downward toward his shoes

Dark with damp