Minneapolis, MN
LA JEUNE FILLE
(The Little Girl)
She is about four years old
Seated at the next table
Kneeling on her chair
Rice cake in one hand
The other holds a juice box
She looks at me
With a curious half smile
Then turns to speak to “Papa”
In fluent French
Her face dainty, the color of mocha
Eyes bright like polished black onyx
The rasti curls not yet long
I smile and ask
“How are you ?”
“Good” she replies
In perfect English
“What’s in my cup?”
“What’s in my bag?”
In between she speaks to “Papa”
Always in French
They are readying to leave
Little arms poking through jacket sleeves
With puppet like motions
Hats askew over curls
I tell her it was nice to meet her
She runs toward me
As if to give a hug
Now the tiny mouth, pursed
Plants a kiss on my lips
I smile as she skips away
With an “au revoir”
And my ordinary day
Just became extraordinary
ABOUT THE POET
Irene Colston February 18, 1935 – April 19, 2023 was a local artist born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. After retiring from a busy professional career, Irene immersed herself into the creative writing process. She took classes at The Loft Literary Center, focusing on both lyrical and free form poetry. Ranging from lighthearted and whimsical to solemn and literal, Irene’s poetry drew inspiration from her life: nature, memories, and travel. It brought her joy sharing her art with others.
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