The apple tree was blooming
In all its spring magnificence.
The fragrance of lilacs blew into our yard
From Mrs. Swenson’s next door.
Laughter abounded, his laughter,
Booming, echoing off the canyon walls
Between the Boyd Street homes.
He was this joyful lighthearted giant.
Me a young lad of three or four,
Gleeful, giddy, silly,
Was like a puppy clinging playfully,
To his master’s leg as he dragged
Me about on the cool wet grass.
I held on for all I was worth,
Ridiculously trying to wrangle
This rambunctious, whimsical giant.
When I lost my grasp,
He picked me up
And gave me a hug so big
It would have knock the stuffing
Out of my teddy bear.
Still laughing, he hugged me
For what seemed like forever!
He hoisted me up upon his shoulders
And walked toward the back door,
When mom announced dinner time
From behind the screen door
Of our back porch!
