WHERE HAVE THE CHILDREN GONE?

An empty schoolyard playground, a sagging chain link fence...A desolate stretch of asphalt, a field full of suspense. Monkey bars, a fire truck, a jungle gym with slides: Once so full of joy and laughter is now the Skeleton of good times. Empty swings where children sat as they were lifted towards the sky; Ghostly chains rattle in the wind when October's breath blows by. Once upon a Merry-Go-Round, a cyclone full of bliss; Their tiny squeals of innocence rang out as it would turn and twist. Tell me, where have the children gone? The school bell doesn't ring! Phantom footsteps are left behind but the choir does not sing! The cheerful laughter has faded, evacuated the trodden ground! I have searched within my waking dreams but the children can not be found! I can not hear their voices! Have I become deaf? All is hear is whispers of the secrets they have left! Shadows bloom and develop teeth as the sun hides from the moon; Crickets cease to sing their song though night is coming soon. Mr. Reaper have you come like a thief within the night? Claiming the innocence in my heart? The tranquility of my mind? Bring the children back to me! Let them out to play! I do not understand their absence! Why have they gone away?? Let them run! Let them giggle! Give the Merry-Go-Round a spin! Fill the void of the vacant playground! Bring them back again! Little smiles and pigtails, Hot Wheels in a pail; Bicycles and Barbie Dolls, enchanting fairy tales...Abandoned toys, two girls, two boys have slipped from my distant vision; Childhood remnants squeeze my heart: Oh Dear God, I truly miss them!! Comfort them! Wipe their tears! Hold them while I can't! Kiss their wounds! Protect their steps! Don't let go of their hands! Prepare me to be the Mother that they've needed all along; The children are not missing! It is ME that has been gone...

-Kelly M. Gregory-
Dedicated To: My 4 precious babies, my 2 girls and 2 boys...