Child at Heart

Just another blob.

Soles of white sneakers became muddied in a few wears. The joyous bouncing and galloping that resulted from his vigor made any shoe dirty quickly. His parents were happy to replace each and every pair. Anything on their mind could could be melted away as they heard his laughter and jubilee float through their porch screen door. Usually his light laughter and chuckling was followed by the high pitched screeching of the metal porch door that he would push open while running into the house. Running directly into wide and open arms. They always greeted him with smiles of their own. His bright eyes and carefree smile always reminded them of their own innocence, perhaps the best parts of themselves. “Mommy! Daddy!” Were always his first words as he bounced into the house excited to share his day and love for the world. Sometimes he came in with a new bug he carefully held in his small hands, a broken toy, or maybe just a warm smile. They couldn’t pour their hearts into anything more. Now, on summer evenings as the old couple shares a drink, only the sound of a still, dark, summer’s night can be heard. Instead of laughter and a smile it’s the sound of gravel crunching underneath truck tires. The sound of working boots scraping against their concrete patio. Now a worn unshaved face walks into their home after a long day’s work. Sometimes with a sigh, sometimes dreary eyed, or sometimes with a head not held high. Yet, as they hear the high pitch sound of their screen door opening, in their hearts they still
hear his laughter pouring into them, the bouncing of small feet, and his ever so bright smile. So they ready themselves with arms out wide to greet the small boy they will always know and love.

Author's Note

Hope you enjoyed the read. Thanks.