Community

Hatted and hunched over her adult-sized 

tricycle, she rolls ahead, advancing

deliberately, her face radiating 

the joy of sailing forward as if wing-lifted.

For years I have watched her 

from my second story window 

wearing gloves and layers of red, 

yellow, or blue woolen clothing.

This afternoon when walking along the street, 

I greet her as we pass, and we lock eyes 

into that ritual familiar knowing 

that today but for the grace we will not pass.