The Moat

It rained heavily here today. When that happens, water collects in the swale in my front yard. When I saw the water this afternoon it made me smile. I grew up in New York City in the 1950's and 60's. That was a time when drugs and street gangs infested New York; but were nearly unheard of in other parts of the country. Home burglaries were common around the city. A friend of mine, Kenny Clay, and I would spend hours talking about what life would be like when we grew up. Kenny used to joke about one day living in a house that had a moat to keep all of the thugs and junkies out. Kenny passed away a few years ago, but I know he is looking down on my rain soaked lawn, smiling, and saying, "Hey Dave, you finally got that moat."

Kenneth S Clay
November 10, 1945 - October 23, 2005