Verdant Youth

Why am I not allowed
To jump the puddles in the rain?
Why am I not allowed
To try to hop with a sprain?
I want to play in the sun
I want the tan to color me
In shades of brown
Sweat for crown
Glistening in a golden film
Knees grazed
But free to play
Inhaling dust
With an exciting air
Thrilled eyes dart to and fro
Following balls, going for goals
Hitting smart
Panting hard
These heroes inspire me
To learn their art
Some running will be good, for one
I’ll make new friends while I play and run
But, for now, from my window
I watch the kids
Like tiny colorful specs
Fuzzing madly in a fret
Kicking, running, bumping, falling
Some listening to music, strolling
Such an innocent life outside
Joyous, all troubles aside
Feelings freely flowing
Laughs and screams, faces glowing
Alas not one knows they’re growing
An invisible cage
As they age
Around themselves
It’s a trap
There’s no going back
So live today
And remember that you played
Free.