Early autumn, late afternoon
Cold overnights mean that the water’s getting cooler.
I walked in from Coburn Road behind three Goddard students. They’re talking in voices of contentment and curiosity, although I can’t really hear the words.
When they stop at the water, I catch up, approach them, and say “Hello….”
They preferred not to be photographed, they tell me. And “thank you for asking.”
This was the still water before they dove in.
I have to get back to work. I hear their quiet cheerful voices and playful splashing as I walk back up the path toward my car. The crickets chirp and hum in the steady quiet. I’ve collected the feelings from beauty and contentment, sincere engagement and playfulness … They stay with me throughout the rest of the day.