There isn’t much of a crowd.
Marta couldn’t come, she’s home cleaning; an important guest is coming today.
Tom really didn’t think I’d show up; he’s home watching football.
Pete’s here! But he doesn’t have a clue as to why...like most of them.
I spoke.
Some understood; they openly wept at missed opportunity.
Some rejoiced, but then remorse swept over like a summer wind;
They realized that their mom, dad, daughter, sister wasn’t there;
They could have swung by to pick them up.
The politicians, government officials, community leaders were there…
In their own section of the park.
Front row seating they claimed. It’s our right!
The children…oh the children!
Every one came running to see me.
Jumping on my lap, pulling on my beard…genuinely happy that I was there.
They didn’t know why I was there; and they didn’t care.
I finished speaking.
A few silently walked with me down the dirt path.
The crowd followed, shouting. ‘Will you come back?
When is your next visit?’
I turned and reluctantly shouted
‘I can’t…this was my last stop.’
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