Yesterday

A poem about bygone days

Oh, to be a child again

When the most important question is

“What’s for dinner?” And

“Can I please play for five more minutes, Mummy?”

 

When the rain creates mud and worms

And the sun means sand castles and ice creams;

When storms are exciting

And snow means a fresh blanket of fun.

 

The only complaints are about vegetables

And the older siblings hogging the TV.

School is a bore,

And Daddy home from work is the day’s highlight.

 

Summer holidays are spent making up games

Instead of worrying about homework or grades.

You don’t need to worry about looks

If mud on your clothes means high status.

 

Oh, to be a child again

When the world was a safe place

And time never passed you by,

Because each day lasts longer than the previous.

 

These days, nostalgia is looking on old cartoons

And lists like “you know you’re a 90s kid when…”

But as children, that’s in January,

When you’re boasting about your presents from Christmas.

 

You look at the children of today;

Hear their joyful laughter, see their smiles.

You long to swap places.

You remember what it was like to be so carefree.

 

When kiss chase was screaming

And running away from the yucky boys

Rather than a popularity contest;

A chance to see who could lose their romanticism first.

 

Once childhood is gone, the dark corners of the world open.

You miss the carefree happiness and the security.

Time flows faster

And the future looms imminently.

 

I miss the laughter and the fun

The slow summer days and long winter nights.

The friendships you think will last forever,

And the unappreciated sense of freedom.

 

During the long hours of studying,

When feeling the weight of responsibility.

I look back on those times and sorely miss them.

Until I remember we’ll visit them again with our own children.

Author's Note

This was the first poem written in a long time, so if it seems raw then please forgive. It could probably use some work.

Reviews

[Buddhistboy73]

Loved this piece, as it describes a common experience we all have as human beings. And believe me, as you get into your 30's, it goes even quicker! This is a thoughtful, heartfelt piece that transports the reader into their own reverie.....there are many stanzas here that touched my heart, but for me the penultimate one is my favourite...
And I like the hope that flows in the final line too...:)
Thanks for sharing.:)

BB

[Akshat♥]

I really liked this poem ...this reminds me of my childhood ..
my dreams ..my cuteness,my free-ness
those days will never come..sadly:(
Keep writing :)

[A.Lee]

I dont think it sounded raw at all. You definitely captured the feeling and imagery beautifully. I think we all miss that carefree childhood feeling. Nice work.

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words are very true. To be young and have time to roam and discover new things. The last lines are the wish of parent. For their kids to be able to enjoy their life. I'm glad to see you writing again. I missed your poetry. A excellent poem.
Coyote