The trees in Ben’s neighborhood were yellow and brown.
Fall had come to visit his house and the rest of the town.
He loved the sound of leaves crunching under his bicycle tire,
Piles just waiting to be set on fire.
There was one time during the week he was allowed to roam.
That’s because He delivered the newspaper to 3 dozen homes.
He was an awkward young man, he would wobble as he pedaled
Some thought it funny, but most were unsettled.
His mother said it was “getting older” pains he would soon outgrow.
But there were a lot of things even she didn’t know.
Like how his legs made him bump into things in broad daylight.
Or how he shook under the covers in the middle of the night.
He was different, and felt sometimes he was broken.
But he left these thoughts and fears unspoken.
Because for now the medicine the doctor gave
Helped him feel normal around the friends he had made..
So there he was, the awkward, wobbly paper boy.
But he didn’t let his problems take away his longing for joy.
Because after 35 papers were whimsically tossed,
He would come to the corner of Hensley and Frost.
It was there that she lived, the sweetest little girl.
A wide, warm smile hidden under beautiful curls.
Joy, yes joy was really her name.
And how appropriate, for that’s what she gave.
Of all the homes on Ben’s paper route
She was the only one who would ever come out.
Well, except for the dogs on Hanover street
Who greeted Ben with growls, howls and teeth.
And there she was, the most wonderful sight.
She made the bike ride seem so incredibly light.
When she said “Ben” the world became new
And grey skies would turn suddenly blue.
He didn’t understand, couldn’t imagine why
With her he felt totally well until she would say goodbye
Then the wobblies returned and so did the pain
But it was fine, for next week he’d be here again.
This day was different, and surprisingly so
For she said she had something she wanted to show.
A surprise, good surprise, not like the bad ones of late
This was the first time she had stepped past the gate.
She held something hidden tightly in her hands
And playfully said “Ben, Catch me if you Can”
With that, she dashed down the walk, crossing the street.
Ben was amazed at the speed of her cute little feet.
So he dropped his bike and followed her quick
Never remembering he had ever been sick.
His legs felt strong as he watched his best friend
Skipping and running as fast as the wind.
Through the park he chased Joy and thought she had stopped
Then she climbed the steps of the slide to the top.
Chasing Joy, he had always hoped someday to find
Yet he always seemed a little behind.
But the dance was on, the chase commenced
As he climbed the slide for the first time since
He had gotten sick in the spring just two years ago
But watching him now, you would never know
For he climbed quick, slid well, and landed with ease
Joy yelled as she laughed, “A little faster please!”
He laughed and breathed deep the crisp air
And for the first time in ages felt fully aware.
What a beautiful park and wonderful slide
And I bet the merry go round is as fun to ride
Color seemed to return to the world so clear
And out went the mountain of everyday fears.
She turned down a path that led into the woods.
He followed, though he wondered if he could,
Keep up the pace with her beautiful stride.
But he had to if he were to stand at her side.
So he flew, the cute little girl and awkward boy
Chasing and hoping to find his joy
Over walking bridges, fallen leaves, and paths
He had never known but so wished he had.
But he didn’t dwell on the should and the bad
For he was so amazed at the fun he had
Chasing his dream and keeping the pace
If only for a moment to see her face.
It seemed like days, weeks, months and years
He noticed everything, except for his fears
Then it happened, she stopped and turned
And smiled the smile he had studied and learned.
She held out her hand and said “Ben, close your eyes.”
I think you have earned your surprise.
He held out a hand that was surprisingly steady
And Ben said “OK Joy, I am ready.”
With eyes closed and hands outstretching,
She placed in his hands the most beautiful thing.
He had never known a gift he had wanted more
And as it lay in his hands, it was like nothing before
Eyes closed, he had so anticipated
And when he opened his eyes he was profoundly elated.
For what she had softly placed in his longing grasp
Was her own sweet hand, he had his Joy at last.
Copyright Jimmy Sadler, 1995