Leaning upon the newel I followed you down circular Out into the square There was a burst of birds A quickening of step A nuance of eternal chances and the surety of rain. I saw a man near a statue Steam pounced from his face Up and out against the Azure He had a paper, and it had him There was a clock looming And shadows curling through vista The river, black, snaked in daylight. You were singing of Summer You were barely chest high A basket of fresh bread hooked from your arm, rubbed at your side Top buttons open, periwinkle dress - - cascading about your pale ankles You smelled of Vanilla and morning. I stayed behind you 'till the bridge And that is where I let you go.