This poem was inspired by a serene and very happy moment spent sitting on a balcony watching the Potomac yesterday (monday) evening.

A Summer Evening By The Potomac

We drove down Wisconsin Ave
My dad, my nephew and I.
Like a creek flowing down to the river
for miles straight
until we reached the water's edge.

I prayed for a parking spot
with some time left on it
because I had no change.
We found one
right at the end of the road
just yards from the water
with 41 minutes left.

I asked six year old Pranav if he wanted ice-cream.
"I don't like ice-cream,
though everyone else likes it.
It makes me full
I can't eat anything afterwards," he said.
I don't know what to make of him.

We got him apple juice
and a bottle of San Pellegrino's.
Sat down around a table
Overlooking the river.
Below us the fountains in the plaza
were sloshing.
Surrounded by restaurant tables
bustling with the sounds of dinner
On a warm sunny August evening.

He kept peppering me with questions
that made us smile.
Said the carbon dioxide
from the San Pellegrino's
made a weird taste
with the apple juice.

The peaceful river
Its waters shining with just the right brightness.
Reflecting our smiles.

We enjoy this moment
Father, son and grandson
Floating
On the river of life.