I Will Call Her "Joy"

She rode through the alley on her vintage periwinkle Schwinn without a care in the world. She didn’t zig-zag around the puddles; she giggled as they splashed onto her bare feet. Her white cotton sundress swished around her ankles, which were draped in a snakelike wrap of beads. A small dog sat in the basket on her handlebars. It had a pink bow on its head that matched the pink flower behind its masters ear. I stood judging her while she approached. Wanting to make a crack about Toto or Kansas or Woodstock. As I watched her long chocolate locks, with just a splash of gray, flow behind her in the wind, we locked eyes. Her hazel eyes danced with delight, like a million shooting stars on a still June night. She smiled at me, genuine, pure and blissful. She wasn’t judging me or anyone else she passed. She just wanted to ride her bike and be happy. For a moment I felt envy, wishing I could be so carefree. Her smile was contagious and I couldn’t help but smile back. I wondered when was the last time I made someone smile just by strolling past them. What happened to the silly girl I used to be? Once, I wanted to entertain everyone I met. Lately, it seems I demanded that the world go out of its way to entertain me. After seeing “Joy” on her bike I think it’s time I start entertaining myself again. Simple joys reap grand rewards.