Birth

It was late September,

a clear, bright day,

and the sun was still high.

The street was empty,

as far as he could see

in any direction.

There was a silent beat,

broken by a resounding

round of applause.

The young man

was weeping

in gratitude now.

He moved to the door

and listened for a long time,

but heard nothing.

He pushed the door open

and stepped out,

timidly at first.