Toddler

You stretch your legs and watch

a toddler chasing nervous ducks

maple leaves and sighs fall

whispers on the pond

behind you a horizon blessing

tomorrow’s soldier, another

unexpected hero and you wonder

for inconceivable possibilities

describing nothing of an endless war a young

father will fight tomorrow while

another sigh and two maple leaves

fall backward out of the tree as ducks

flee to pond refuge and the child pursues

with his little hands holding a rifle