What Time Will The Dolphins Be By? Poem by Jim Yerman

We were standing at the marina caressed by a morning breeze with the sky both bright and clear when a tourist family (mother, father and their two children) walked out on the pier.

It was easy to tell they were tourists by what the father had to say…
"Excuse me, " he said, "can you tell me what time will the dolphins be by today? "

"I remember the first time I saw dolphins." He continued. "It was one of the best days I ever had. It was on a pier just like this one…I was standing with my dad."

"My dad spotted a family of dolphins coming into view…
then put me on his shoulders…so I could see them too."

Before we had the chance to tell them…dolphins aren't on the clock…
he spotted some out in the water…heading for the dock.

"Here they come! " Dad said…with what I can only describe as glee.
"Here they come! " He said again…pointing out to sea.

At this point we snuck away…we weren't trying to be coy….
we thought this was a moment for their family to enjoy.

At the end of the pier we turned around to see a family as happy as can be…
with the children on their parent's shoulders…everyone pointing out to sea.

I didn't have time to answer his crazy question…don't even know what I would say…
and I hope I don't get a chance the next time I'm asked…
What time will the dolphins be by today?