Tell us a story

I don't always know where I am.

Not complaining, just sharing.

Aren't we supposed to share?

The park.

Coming back to me.

One block south,

 and halfway up the walk.

That's better.

Tap on my shoulder.

Look up,

  and then straight ahead.

Misjudged the height.

"Mister, are you okay?"

Isn't that nice?

Look around,

 and notice something different.

There are a bunch of kids here.

Good to see,

 but it causes a touch of worry.

"Just fine, my friend.

  Enjoying the sun,

   and it takes me away sometimes."

Now,

 I may have a touch of the sundog on my mind,

   but I still keep track of my surroundings,

    and something isn't right.

"Care to share a bench?"

Even having tossed the cathode death machine to the side,

I know this is no longer normal.

Predator is the word which is flashing.

Kid takes a seat.

Sighs.

Others seem to draw  closer.

Reminds me of ducks.

Crumbs scattered on the water,

 and they fly towards you.

Different park.

Different state.

Even in the cold they stayed.

Shake your head.

Back to the present.

The kids are drawing closer.

I would be more worried if they looked like those ones.

Blond hair, and glowing eyes.

Another shake of the head.

focus.

"These your friends?"

Hesitation.

I know this.

Finding how to talk.

"I would keep an eye on that one."

Pause,

 and wait.

I was good at this,

 or so I seem to recall.

"Why?"

"Didn't tie their shoes."

Puzzled expression.

Stops, and looks.

"Oh."

Back to the pause.

Like I said,

 I think I used to be good at this.

"I can't tell from here."

 The hesitance mixed with the quiet.

What has happened?

"Just watch."

So we settle in,

 and wait.

Now,

 kids know when they are being watched,

  or at least I did.

I am betting things haven't changed.

Cue a new voice.

"What?!"

Still works.

My new acquaintance flinches,

 but stays still.

This is when I finally hear the sound of their voices.

I recognize the tone, and this done in a few.

Lost.

You recognize yourself,

 even when you are sitting in a park.

Might as well take some initiative.

"Shoelaces."

Wait for it.

"What?"

Yes,

 I am good a this.

don't like this

 crowding 

   too close

    NOISE

Tap on the shoulder

"Mister?"

Tone of worry draws me back.

Confusion settles.

Remember.

More flipping kids.

Looking as confused as me.

"What?"

Louder than I meant to be.

Notice the recoil.

Can't explain it to them.

"Sorry.  Hearing aide is being difficult."

They are still uneasy.

Twitchy.

Lost track of the first two,

 but the others seem the same.

Lost.

One voice.

Timid.

Longing.

"Mister?  Could you tell us a story?"

Smile, 

 and nod my head.

I was good at this.

"Once upon a time there was a tortoise..."

Reviews

[Lorry]

Duh! Even with yourhelpful title Jon, I was drawn in to this being a not so happy ending, which only reflects badly on me and how we can be programmed to only see the worst in every situation.
And all you weredoing, as you even stated early on, was sharing. How many clues did I miss? 😀