Copyright 2000, Sara Zwern
Swept Away
 
He swept in circles
Like leaves dancing
On summer cement,
Deep in his unseen world --
A world of sublime beauty
Known only to him.
 
The cars whisked by
In their mechanical indifference,
Unaware of the tender touch
That adorned their busy path.

For what seemed like forever
He lovingly minded
His sacred domain,
Blending so effortlessly
That one could
Hardly sense his presence.
 
 Then came the
Shattering words --
"We can't
Afford you anymore."
"Surely there are
Myriad places
To perform your
Mundane task."
 

He swept with even
Greater joy and intensity.
"Didn't you hear me?
We can't
Afford you anymore."
 
Slowly he reliquished
His treasured whisk,
Never to see it again,
And sauntered
Sorrowfully away --
Away from his secret
Place of beauty.