for Free Verse Weekend

I bought the train ticket
started smiling
smiled to myself
smiled at the cleaners waiting
to board our carriage
as we disembarked
smiled at the woman
in an olive green sari
resting on a street bench
downhill from the station
before the river

When I smiled
the others looked uncertain
Do I know her?
Have I forgotten her name?
Where have I met her before?
Is she on a happy drug?

I walked a long way smiling
arrived at Langhams
south of the Yarra
met my son who shouted
me dinner.  
Wouldn't you be happy?
Can I share this feast
with you? Come, let us
celebrate merely being alive!

A River of Stones 31. Waiting for the Airport Bus

So many people rush around
before dawn. The darkness
flaps away, in no hurry.