In New York, I’ve often passed what appears at a distance to be nothing but the downtrodden. On closer examination, I frequently found many wearing a smile on their face. Such occasion reminded me that regardless of age or economic status, imagination can help keep a person secure and comfortable, even for some, wealthy in their own way. Freedom lives in many forms. For many, to ignite one’s own, it only requires the innocence of youth (which most keep buried) and of course, a bit of humility. Such is the basis for this flash fictional exploration of reality’s many guises. (Image by Miro-Carnival)
Paradise de Nova
by Odin Roark
Yesterday…
Crossing over from here to there
became a bridge ceasing to be,
a day’s experience becoming
open currents sweeping out to sea.
Tonight…
Heavy eyelids finally succumbed to fluttering,
becoming rain drizzles of thought,
cascading into a torrential downpour,
directionless tributaries,
becoming at times a challenging river to forge,
slippery footholds wanting only
to make purchase on secure pathways
leading to mind''s quieter listening banks.
Night continued…
Refracting waters afforded
interludes of respite
before dreams sped downstream,
submerging with nocturnal weight
into awaiting archives,
retrieval in the future.
As daybreak approached…
Fathom-deep consciousness,
clamored to the surface,
opened lead-heavy eyes,
returning him to his bench.
Staring skyward,
he adjusted his overcoat blanket,
noticed the resident pigeon taking note,
and reached into his shopping-cart treasure,
retrieving the saved half of yesterday’s found bagel.
Sharing it with his feathered friend,
he grinned. “You’re smile, Mr. Pigeon,
is almost as good as mine, but not quite.”
He took a bite, chewing patiently to make it last.
“After all, you might be able to fly,
but," he taps his head, "You can’t go where I go. And no travel required.”
His smile broadened as he looked out across the park lake.
“Know what I mean?”
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Ron
John