That impeccable sky cast Sunday afternoon
Into a roll of severe clear. Emerald reed held
Sun drop and shivered with bay wind.

The family biked the levee. Gabe at three
Perched the helm his fat fist clenched
Handlebar shiny as sunshield

And bade Dad pedal fast to find elusive water
Fowl. At ten, Uri’s tan limbs propelled rusty Schwinn
Effort unapparent along narrow bank as silent

Glide of carp undulating rhythmic bluefin
Far behind at six, Raphael wavered an uneasy balance,
Training wheels posed perilous impediment to gravel.

Mama clucked behind, “You can
Do it, now steer to the right.”
Overhead noise captured, stretched

Their gaze skyward where sleek
Jets flew, dove, reeled breakneck speed.
Wings inches apart, so close.

Humans shouting — no contest
To the din — exclaimed techno ballet,
Roller coaster, giant bouquet, dart game.

Storybook sky, once backdrop, now
To chariot or fluffy rabbit, then
Provided space for hunk of steel hurdling

Gasp from afar. Can he see the other’s face?
From the cockpit, the wings 36 inches apart?
Raphael wobbles, falls, his heavenly vision failed

To remind him earth-bound runt.