Out and about on a rainy afternoon, carrying
my favorite frog umbrella (because it makes me happy),
I go singing to myself.

And, because it makes me happy, I splash in the puddles
and smile at the children on my way. How I love the rain!
And I love surprises, too.

Imagine my joy to find a quaint shop filled with fun.
The room is ablaze with bright colors that saturates
my mind and then fill my heart.

Lost in wonder, I touch everything. I examine toys
to see how they work and admire the craftsmanship of
handmade gifts of painted wood.

In the distance I hear lilting tunes from a magic flute.
I think of Kate and her spirited lead in following
the dream that calls to us all.

At that very moment, across the room, I see the huge
dragon-tail box kite, patterned in purple, pink and sky blue.
Thoughts of spring begin to fly.

I remember the open field of tender green somewhere in
the Smoky Mountains. I am running, skipping and laughing,
my brothers chasing me down.

I’m not nine anymore. In fact, I’m thirty plus that age,
but my tired heart longs to run through a field of dreams again.
And so I reach for my kite.

I carry it loosely in a gentle rain, still tinged with
wintry cold. And everybody smiles and I smile right back
because it makes me happy.