Sapless Passerby

Weeks ago, I was walking

with the river to my right.

Headphones sang me music,

as my eyes took in the sight. 

I came upon a young couple

who fished with a 3-year-old,

and I turned my eyes away

from a family and the river; cold.

I didn't want to be awkward;

I was only a sapless passer-by,

and just as I thought I'd made it

the little girl beamed out a hi!  

I waved and smiled back

and said to the child “Hello.”

And I felt a little foolish

for the kindness I oft forego.