Remember being a kid?
Remember being reckless? When adventures were little thrill rides in a local park. Worry was dirt on pants and muddy shoes. Pain was just that of bruised knees. Singing out loud didn’t need you to be drunk on something and dancing out of tune wasn’t embarrassing. When laughter used to literally make us roll on the floor and thoughts flew as freely as a kite in the wind.
Do you miss school? Stories still engraved on wooden desks. The way a new gel pen used to glide on a fresh smelling notebook, shining like glitter. Pleasure was a smooth stroke of a paint brush. Achievement was a bright remark on a test. Pride was marching in the morning assembly. Sleepless nights were only for the picnic the next day. Messages were tiny crumbled chits of paper and every recess held another turbulent episode.
How innocent we used to be. When the world’s best hairstylist was Mom. Coolest and fastest ride was a bicycle with a gearbox. Urgency was of mango ice cream melting away on fingers. Show off was a fruity smelling eraser. Bucket list was catching a firefly. Planning was for 5 PM Cartoon shows and trade of Pokemon cards. Love was shown by giving extra candies on birthdays.
Miss those sunny afternoons? The buzzing of crickets. The smell of air and running wild on the warm grass. Laying breathless in the cool shade of a tree, wrapped with the song of a cuckoo. When far away meant three blocks away. Every dream seemed possible and believing in yourself was so easy. Things out of reach were the cookie jars on the third shelf and treasure was finding chocolate in the refrigerator.
Do you remember being small enough for houses made of pillows? When every Hide & Seek spot could conceal us completely. Safe territory was the end of the blanket and support was clutching onto Dad’s finger. Demons hid beneath the bed & angels searched underneath the pillows while we dozed off counting stars.
