The Road

here where you see a green valley And a road half-covered with grass, Through an oak wood beginning to bloom Children are returning home from school. In a pencil case that opens sideways Crayons rattle among crumbs of a roll And a copper penny saved by every child To greet the first spring cuckoo. Sister's beret and brother's cap Bob in the bushy underbrush, A screeching jay hops in the branches And long clouds float over the trees. A red roof is already visible at the bend. In front of the house father, leaning on a hoe, Bows down, touches the unfolded leaves, And from his flower bed inspects the whole region.