Fall Out

A Poem by Michelle Gent

Missing a child from the backyards point of view

Fall Out-

A child's rusted bicycle rests
Propped against a swaying chain link fence
Nestled upon varying tones of amber, sepia, magenta
Popcorn shag crunching with each step taken

Bike a hand nestled comfortably in a pocket
On a cool, crisp autumn day
A momentary sparrow lands
Pecking at its wicker basket in refrain
Pulling straws hesitantly
until falling acorn scares him away

Tire swings hangs taut from gnarly twisted braid
Moving ever so slightly
under the influence of wistful midday's breeze
A pile of well placed leaves lies listless
Others rolling, scattering tumbleweeds

Backyard looks somewhat forlorn
Wondering "Where is our little girl?"
Not knowing wayward girls on her way
at this very instant

From the front yard
Screeching brakes halt
Commotion trails the opened doors
Having just released her
From the back yard a sigh of relief
"Aaaaaaah, she's home!"