Unexpected rain—
 
my neighbor’s giggling children
 
stomp through some puddles.

 
 
 

Children laugh and play
 
behind the funeral home
 
on a warm spring day.

 

 
 
 

The children next door
 
try to outshout the May wind
 
that roars through their yard.

 

 
 
 

April afternoon—
 
an old man blowing smoke rings
 
makes some children laugh.

 

 
 
 

While painting the fence,
 
I hear some children laughing
 
on the other side.

 
 
 

Another birthday—
 
my children stare in silence
 
as I cut my cake.

 
 
 

Through the backyard fence
 
I hear my neighbor’s children
 
argue with a crow.

 
 
 

Summer thunderstorm—
 
children launch their paper boats
 
down the flooded street.

 
 
 

Independence Day—
 
the young lieutenant’s children
 
salute his casket.

 
 
 

Mexican village—
 
three children learning English
 
practice saying wolf.