WALLS ARE TO BE WALKED

Because there are swings to be swung,/And new kites have to be flown. . . . Because the sidewalk is rayed/By cracks/Which have to be followed/ Every which-way;//Because bugs chew leaves/ Very slowly,/ And butterflies do not fly/ In a straight line. . .""; for these and a number of other clearly compelling reasons, ""Jimmy Jarnigan,/ Age six,/ Takes one hour/ Walking the three blocks/ From his school to his home."" A common enough observation, set forth with empathy and unobtrusive style--and just the sort of experience that Carrick makes his own.