"CHILDHOOD"

I remember what it felt like, eating cherries in the trees
The smell of the summer forest, pine needles beneath my feet
Running across the farmers fields, being chased with my friends
Stealing watermelons, and swearing to our parents we'd never do it again
The camaraderie, each day we left the baseball field, and headed into the wood
Making tree forts from cardboard boxes, and playing throughout the neighborhood
We never considered consequences jumping from roof tops in our games
The tender look of sisters when, Santa had brought them their girly games
And the last day of school, anticipating the long freedom of summer days
Laying around the swimming pool, just to watch the girls catching rays
All the tricks we used to escape the chores, just so we could play
Playing matchbox cars on my pregnant mommies belly
Hoping I'd have a baby brother, to join the fun some day
The fearlessness of childhood, made for the most glorious autumn nights
We'd  hike for miles into the wilderness, just to know we could survive
The Boy Scouts, the swim team, Football in the dark
All the make believe, we'd dress up for in the park
The thrill of bringing home, my first "ten speed" bike
And sometimes we'd be afraid of strange noises in the night
Then mom and dad would come to comfort us with bed time fairy tales
Oh the sweetness of my childhood, I remember oh so well.....

Tony Taylor  (Chicago)