Childhood

Childhood is meant to be a cherished time,
a whimsical period for worries to fly by.

Butterflies landing on freshly dewed grass
and clouds drifting through in a fluffy white mass.
Snack time and nap time and hide n' seek
are wonderful any time of the week.
Dandelion seeds floating in the breeze,
and a few harmless scrapes on tiny knees.
Dancing to a song you made up last night
not a care in the world or a crippling fright.
But parents these days simply don't understand -
they no longer want to hold little one's hand.

It's time to grow up now, be brave and be strong
even though I didn't hold you in my arms very long.
Responsibility is knocking on your door,
just like so many others so many years before.

Barely out of grade school and the question arises
what will you do with your life?  No surprises.
Everything seems to need a set plan
but that's not so easy when you're lost in this land.

A surgeon, a nurse, a brilliant scholar,
but what if that's not what my heart tells me, father?
I've not yet decided where my destiny lies
but all I can see is disappointment in your eyes.

And so the discouraged take their places in line
with heavy souls far before their right time.
A simple solution, one that wouldn't have hurt?
Allowing more time before life set in first.

Let your child dress up in lovely clothes,
let your babies wonder what you've done with their nose,
because once you take that notion away,
the daunt of reality is there to stay.

Reviews

[Chris]

Well stated and reasoned. Good flow, rhythm and tone. The rhyme even felt unforced.

[Simon Welsh]

Love every line... especially the last stanza. Perfect hon.

[Jennifer]

Thank you, dear!

[Simon Welsh]

You need to respond on chat!!! You've gone quiet x3

[Emma Keynes]

I really like this poem. It's sweet, in a way, and I really liked the last lines: "once you take that notion away, the daunt of reality is there to stay." I just felt that it's really true. Nice poem :)

[Jennifer]

Thanks so much, Emma!