This Beautiful Now

Driving with the windows down

and a popsicle in my hand. 

It is the cool of the evening
after a muggy day.

The cicadas are singing
over the drone of the engine.

I am going to pickup my daughter
at field hockey practice.

There are maybe twenty girls
on the turf field lining up
to make shots on goal.

The sky above them is filled
with massive clouds
that are gradations
of pale blues and grays
with a few glowy pink spots.

Memories try to push into my
conscious awareness but
I push them back.

I want to be in this beautiful now
where time is arrested
by the senses.

***