One Sweet Day

The sun was gently streaming into Avery’s bedroom. The song birds were greeting the day with their chirps. A gentle breeze caused the trees to dance. A perfect morning. At least it would have been perfect if Avery noticed. The day before, Avery had worked into the early hours on a presentation for her work. Avery worked at the leading marketing company in the state. The latest project she worked on was for a wellness company that sold vitamins. This project was going to make or break Avery’s career. When she realized she landed her dream job, Avery was elated. Now it was eleven years later, and she had not climbed the corporate ladder the way she hoped. At this point, she had become disenchanted with her career as a whole. She knew she had the talent to be successful, but her superiors refused to promote her.

After twelve hours of working on this project, Avery was considering alternative work. Avery slept well into the afternoon hours. It wasn’t like her to sleep so late. When she awoke, she was disoriented. Her hair was a mess and dried saliva matted her face. Avery turned on her bed. The clock read 1:43. Avery closed her eyes hoping the time wasn’t correct. When she opened them, her fears were confirmed. The day had begun without her. Avery reached for her phone. There was a message by her supervisor that confirmed her project was received. When she opened her message her heart sank. There was no acknowledgement of appreciation given for having this massive project finished by deadline. That was the final straw.

Avery threw off her bedsheets. It was Sunday. She had a meeting in thirty minutes, but decided against it. Instead, Avery decided she was going to take her favorite book to the park. The park in question was a city park a block away from her condo. All of a sudden her phone began to buzz in her hands. It was her boss. Avery threw her phone on the bed. Today, she was not going to answer her calls or messages. It had been months since she was able to enjoy a day to herself. Avery threw on a pair of worn shorts and a t-shirt.

The sun was high in the sky by the time Avery had emerged from her condo. She squinted, as she was not used to the bright light. A Collection of Poetry tucked firmly under her arm, Avery began walking toward the park. She felt a sense of liberation with each step. This Sunday was going to be her day, no matter the consequences. Avery could see the park grow bigger as she got closer. When she came upon the park her heart sank. It was crowded this Sunday afternoon. And why shouldn’t it be? It’s a gorgeous day! Avery thought bitterly to herself. Her grip around her book became sweaty. Finding shade was her top priority.

Avery walked through the grass to get to the walking path. She followed the path passing numerous families, people with their dogs, and others enjoying the bright and warm day. Avery was beginning to feel disheartened as she walked the path. No, Avery shook her head, I am going to sit and read my book even if it means I’ll get sunburned! Her situation was looking hopeless, until she came upon a mother and her children sitting on the grass with a blanket and snacks. The mother was handing out juice boxes to her two older children while holding a third in her arms. The eldest was no older than six years old.

Avery decided to set up next to the family. She sat on the grass acknowledging the mother with a wave and a smile. Avery cracked open her book and began reading the first poem. Soon after settling into her spot, Avery could hear the child speak to his mother.

“Mamma, I love having picnics with you.” Said the boy after a swig of his juice box.

“I love having picnics with you and your sisters.” Said the mother.

“I love Lily and Pammy too.” The boy leaned over and gave a kiss to the baby in his mother’s arms.

“I love you Brucey baby.” Said the mother with a smile.

“I love you mamma!” Avery looked up and smiled. The boy caught her gaze and revealed a smile that was missing two front teeth. “Mamma, look, that lady has the same book you do!” The boy pointed at Avery.

“Don’t point Bruce!” The mother swatted his hand down. “I’m sorry. My son gets really excited sometimes.” The mother smiled.

“That’s perfectly okay! I don’t mind. It’s a good book.” Before the mother could respond Bruce interjected.

“My mamma reads me that book when I go to bed. I love it!” Bruce took another swig of his juice box. “Mamma can I give the girl a juice box?”

“I’m sure she has a name. Here, give her this and ask her for her name.” Bruce happily grabbed the juice box and skipped to Avery.

“Here you go. It’s hot. What’s your name?” The boy was looking intently at Avery.

“My name is Avery, what’s your name?” Avery took the cold offering.

“My name is Bruce Franklin Joseph Robertson the third. My daddy’s name is Bruce Franklin Joseph Robertson the second, and my Pawpy’s name is Bruce Franklin Joseph Robertson. I don’t know what his daddy’s name was though. Mamma what was Pawpy’s daddy’s name again?” Bruce called out.

“I don’t remember Brucey. You’ll have to ask your daddy when he gets home. Bruce continued to talk to Avery.

“Do you know your daddy’s name?” Bruce asked.

“Brucey, why don’t we let Miss Avery read her book in peace. She didn’t come to the park to be interviewed by a six year old.” Bruce’s mother called back.

“I’m six and a half mamma!” Bruce shouted. Bruce’s mother cocked her head and squinted her eyes at Bruce. Bruce hung his head. “I’m sorry Miss Avery, I have to go now.” Bruce walked back over to the picnic blanket.

“I’m really not bothered. I don’t mind. I could read Bruce some of my book if you're okay with it.” Avery shrugged, hopeful that the mother would allow Bruce to return. The mother smiled and looked down at Bruce.

“If you sit still for Miss Avery and don’t fuss, you can go listen to her read.” She held up her finger before she continued. “But if you give Miss Avery any grief, you’re going to come back here and help me with your sisters.” Bruce nodded enthusiastically. He sped over to Avery and sat with his legs crossed in front of her. Avery felt honored that this young boy wanted to listen to her.

“Well alright.Where should we start?” Avery asked Bruce.

“Oh can we read my favorite poem first?”

“Which is your favorite poem?” Bruce turned to his mother.

“Mamma, which one is my favorite poem?”

“The one about the clouds and the sheep?” His mother called back.

“Yeah, the one about the clouds and the sheep.” Bruce said, grinning his toothless grin. Avery knew which poem that was.

“Of course, the poem about the clouds and the sheep. That’s my favorite too.” Avery thumbed to the page with their favorite poem. Avery watched Bruce get settled. She cleared her throat and began.

“Soft Kisses. Rolling hills where the gentle graze, are also spots when the gentle plays. Sheep bounce to and fro, happily as they go. When many grow old and wooly, they skip a top the hills so fully. Bracing the breeze that will carry them yonder, the old wooly sheep go to the beyonder. It is not a sad thing to witness, for the sheep know of this business. The breeze will take them up, so they can become the clouds we all love. When the clouds huddle, all grey and white, you must remember this tonight. The clouds are the sheep we use to sleep. Counting them with every bleat. As the last one leaps and never misses, this will be how you get soft kisses.”

Avery looked up from her book at her attentive listener. Bruce was mesmerized with every word.

“I love that poem!” Bruce exclaimed.

“I love that poem too!” Avery responded with the same level of enthusiasm.

“I love being here today.” Said Bruce as he laid on the ground.

“I love being here today too.” Avery said, closing her book and looking around the park at the other attendees. Avery felt a sense of peace, she hadn’t felt in a long time.

“I love this day.” Bruce said sleepily. Avery looked over at Bruce’s quiet face and then at his mother who was watching and smiling also. The toddler was chewing on a cracker and the baby had been set down for a nap. Avery smiled and lied down using her book as a pillow.

“I love this day too.”