Be Childlike

30 Day Poetry Challenge Day 9: Reconnecting with innocent pleasures

Photo by Alexandra Mirgheș on Unsplash

Every day
A step closer to the end
Every day
A step further from the beginning

Do you remember?

I used to wake up early, excited for a day of play
I used to fight off sleep, not wanting to miss a moment
I used to squeal with delight at the smallest joy
I used to be…childlike

At one point in life, I ran around barefoot
I waved to strangers passing by
I laughed loudly and giggled gleefully
At one point in life, I was…free

Then one day, I grew up
I traded swing sets and play dates
For textbooks and study groups
And then for a briefcase and meetings
I was…burdened

I bet most of you were, too

Today, I say, we reclaim our youthful selves
Blow bubbles
Skip down the hall
Twirl and twirl in your pretty, new dress
Today, we will…reconnect

Take some time from your important new life
And remember all the little things
That once brought you joy
Take a moment to be…innocent

Wiggle your toes in the sand
Catch a firefly in a jar
Collect a pile reserved for only the best sticks and rocks
And remember what it’s like to feel youthful…pleasure

I’ll see you at the playground