The little boy stood waiting at the refreshment stand,
A dollar he clutched in his frail little hand.
His eyes were clear and his face was fair,
His nose was straight and brown was his hair.
He was not from today it was apparent to see,
But to the ways of the world, he seemed to hold the key.
He was dressed in knickers and a cap on his head,
He seemed to be out of a book we might have read.
The striped t-shirt he wore clung close to his body,
His sneakers were scuffed and very untidy.
“May I help you young man?” the counterman inquired.
“I have come a long way sir, and I feel very tired.”
The man fixed his gaze into this young boy’s eyes,
And in a matter of moments, he seemed to realize.
“Perhaps a cold drink would suit your taste.”
“For me to accept it, it would surely be a waste.”
“Then what else can I get my strange little man?”
“I’ve come to buy a dream sir, as quick as I can.”
“I’m sorry my young friend, these I have not at my stand.”
“But surely you would have one if you’d only understand.”
“How far have you traveled and why did you come here?”
“I’ve come a long way and I’m from another year.”
“I can see from your dress that you’re not from this time.”
“I come from a sweet place where the words still rhyme.”
“Sit down my young friend, I’ll get you an ice cream.”
“I’ve no time for that sir, I must buy this dream.”
A strange look of contentment appeared on the man’s face,
Of all his past worries he showed not a trace.
“May I inquire what dream you are searching for?”
“I’m seeking a world that is content and quite pure.”
“How can I of all people help you find such a dream?”
“For you are a person who has not lived life as a scheme.”
“How can you be quite sure of what you do say?”
“Quite simply my friend, I watch you each day.”
“But this is the first time that I’ve seen you here.”
“That’s not quite right sir, I’m in your every tear.”
“How can I sell a dream that I’ve never possessed?”
“By helping all around you, the sick and the oppressed.”
A boy dressed in rags appeared as they spoke,
If he didn’t seem so sad, he might have been a joke.
“A box of Cracker-Jacks,” he meekly requested.
He looked so pathetic and completely unrested.
“Dollar and fifteen cents,” the man spoke in an authoritative tone.
“I only have fifteen cents sir, the rest is at home.”
The man started to remove the box from the little one’s hand,
But the boy from yesterday dropped his dollar on the stand.
“It’s not necessary for you to do such a thing.”
“But it’s such a small price that happiness can bring.”
The man looked at the ragged child who stood in his place,
And all of a sudden a smile appeared on his face.
He placed the box back in the small child’s hand,
And smiled down upon him so that he could understand.
“Take your box of Cracker-Jacks and your dollar and fifteen too.”
“Thank you very much sir, people like you are so few.”
The boy walked away savoring each little bite,
The man stood watching after him with sheer delight.
“Thank you,” the boy of yesterday then stated.
“Why you’ve come here to me you have not fully related.”
“I think you now know why I’ve come to this place.”
“Yes, whatever it is I see in your face.”
“Now that I’ve bought my dream, I surely must go.”
“Will I see you again, perhaps when you grow?”
“No, I’ve spent all the time I’m allotted to stay.”
“But there are so many things that I’d still like to say.”
As he turned to the boy he no longer was there.
Gazing all about him the streets were all bare.
He then looked down so sadly for the boy he’d never see,
For he will never realize, that the little boy was me.
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