while b and j

were in my care today

it was real hot outside

so we walked up to the ice cream store

dragging long sticks along the ground

jumping down the sidewalk

 when i got a little lost

b said,

“maybe you’re taking the LONG shortcut”

yes, that’s it exactly

and

last thing i remember their dad saying

before he left was

“make sure they don’t get messy. we’re heading to a party as soon as i get home.”

well it kind of went bad in that department real fast

 we took the short shortcut home

tossed acorns pinecones pebbles

onto the street

 washed hands face arms legs shoes clothes phone and glasses

so much sweaty sticky fun.

——-
see any detour as an opportunity to experience new things.
– h. jackson brown, jr.