Young men on vacation
fast driving, pushing across lines,
parking as they please,
“free” time just a few days,
then gone.

Young women
with different ticks of the clock –
that hunk at the bar glancing over,
that hand on the shoulder,
the sweaty night that follows.

Young parents look nearer and farther
to the next put-down of the baby,
to birthdays down the road.
to September school.

Later, they see the children as adults,
working, finding the right one,
grandchildren.

Finally, they take their time,
drive within the speed limit –
making the young crazy.
Know that all can change fast,
savor the seconds,
breathe in the sunsets,
the woods,
urban streets,

and, yes,
reach out to the hurried,
worried young.

I treasure each heartbeat,
each smile.