While walking in the rain
my smile grew wide as I saw
the children playing joyfully
and the prancing dog
that kept them laughing.

I did not remember that day
as cold nor gloomy....
The sky was glowing with
the colors of dawn.

The children are gone away--
the years told them to leave
their joy for other toys.
Less satisfying than
the rain and dog,
it was too late to return.