A Child Again

Deadlines, responsibilities Cubicles, liabilities Dour adulthood, I did attain Alas, to be a child again It was once easy to have fun Racing on grass under the sun We would find ways to entertain Alas, to be a child again Our moms said, "put your raincoats on" Embracing water like a swan And singing songs out in the rain Alas, to be a child again Imagination gave us wings We became princesses and kings And precious fantasy would reign Alas, to be a child again Kicking stones to school every day I knew each flower on the way To linger on that country lane Alas, to be a child again Glancing shyly, her long blonde braids, A memory that never fades, To only see my smiling Jane, Alas, to be a child again Now, bones don't move so well. They ache. Falling apart, too much to take Soon, I'll be walking with a cane Alas, to be a child again The everlasting search for truth, And that cagey fountain of youth - Why must it always be in vain? Alas, to be a child again I have been fortunate indeed Into my dotage, I recede I can't but think, as life does wane Alas, to be a child again