A breathing— space— is respite— small— beat of time— in which— you might rest— before answering— another demand— another plunge— into new activity— Is a nap— on the cool— floor of a nursery— High noon— And at the crosswalk— near any— lower school— signs illustrate— children— walking— Strapped to their book bags— jaunty— of step— moving forward— Block and ball— counting squares— Shadows of sugarcane— leaves— the only blades—