I see them in the alley, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer as a sliver of sunlight stretched through the maples to greet them.

I had my time, long passed through the mists of time; not much sunlight stretched there. No more judgments from me for them or me. I’m just doing things differently now…

I tuned her guitar today and got new strings. She called from the bus to ask if that got done and smiled when I said “yes”

Maria smiled at me as I passed her in the alley and said, “Say hello to your daughter for me.”