KIDS

Kids don't watch where they're going.
Kids careen.
As if the whole world will get out of their way.
Completely oblivious.
Inconsiderate little things.
Hog the sidewalk as they skip along three-abreast.
Pour onto the pavement in packs
as they emerge from school.
Drown out our internal dialogues with their glee.
Kids change direction without signaling.
Veer off course on a whim.
Defy all attempts to get around them.
Kids on bicycles are particularly dangerous.
Swerve.
Sway.
Fall down.
Does it ever occur to kids
that another body might cross their path?
Don't they know there are other folks on the street?
Don't they know they should always look
in both directions?
Or check behind them
as they walk backwards?
No, I guess they don't know.
At least not yet.
I guess that's what
being a kid is about.


© Ellen Azorin