SLEEPWALKING

I

Down the sidewalk leading to the mall’s front door
The house sparrow flitted just beyond reach of the toddler’s
Outstretched tiny hands whose teetering efforts to touch
The bird was foiled again and again
A plucky game of chase
Full of mirth

A half dozen paces behind mother and father
Followed chatting back and forth
Watched ahead for their child’s safety
Yet blind to his simple play

Occasionally the little one would turn and smile
Giggle and flail his arms
When there was no response
He would shout and point at the wee bird

But the play was for him and the bird alone
The adults were too busy with themselves
Since their childhood games too had been ignored