Along the boulevard they walk
down through the years entwined,
The lamp-lit amber leaves of fall
With starry night, combined.
And all around incadent blend
Of whoops and shrieks and yells,
Where fairy queens and gypsy kings
Enraptured tales foretell.
~
Along the boulevard their hearts
In merry tandem, one;
Enchanted by the children who
Brush past them, as they run
Called up to stately mansions where
The safe and sure reside:
Untroubled hearts and sterling souls ‑‑
What sins or pain to hide?
~
Along the boulevard, their words
Unspoken; arm in arm.
Swept up the leaves and mirthful sounds
Light holy, mystic charm.
Clatter of the children standing
Out against the forms
Of stately mansions; quiet pride,
Small smiles, free from harm.
~
Beyond the boulevard they walk
Among the costumed crowd,
And usher out the warmth of night;
The hallowed, safe with God.
Jennifer Coffey [written for my daughter in 2000]
