Perusing I-Can-Read books with my friend
(who’s nearly 3 years old), he likes of late
the Putter works. And though Sam will pretend
to be a monkey, he won’t imitate
the characters encountered in those books.
The stories feature neighbors elderly
and childless (he likes to nap – she cooks),
an aging tabby cat and good-dog Zeke.

I marvel at the absence of all kids.
Apparently the children will enjoy
adventures of domestic ancients, rid
of tensions, featuring no girl or boy
or monster, no heroics, grief or glory.
They simply love the transport of a story.