In Youth

I've been trying to outgrow
those childish fears
that have given me a bad dream,
or two.
Every now and the
the masks I see
on the faces of strange people
makes me forget
the comfort of the crib.
Once and awhile
I seemed to get pleased
in the strangest of ways.
It's strange like the way
a boy revels in the slime
recently poured over his head.
And judging from the scuffs
on my Pro-Keds
I'm still not watching my step.
I've found my self playing
hide-and seek
with those I need most.
The outcomes
have had the effect of obsession.
The cuts and scrapes of
other games still sting
a little.
It's weird how the ointment
that heals the pain
stings just as much.
It's cool though.
A bandage is like
a badge of honor.

Reviews

[Robin]

as are the scars .. well done

[Liza]

a badge of honor indeed
remembering a distant fear and pain that somehow we escaped
does have a courageous feel to it
and you made me think;
how much some endure

[NoneOfYourBusiness akaK..]

emotive clarity in a matter of fact presentation that tugs all the harder at the heart strings with it's understated poignant layers just beneath the surface~

[D.R. Wilsey Jr.]

Now this I enjoyed. Simple, nostalgic and honest writing. The piece flows nicely and without coaxing. Fond memories spill from it and conjure images of childhood.