Childhood 1935-1945

I’ve never really wished To be a child again. For growing up’s too hard To even put to pen. But somehow, in my mind, The difficulties fade. The memories that linger Are joys that childhood made. The endless summer days Making hideouts, climbing trees, Spying on the neighbor boys, Or hanging by my knees! I breathe the stuffy August air, Sit dreaming by a stream That ripples over roots and stones Between two banks of green. When the days were really hot Our bathing suits we wore To squirt our friends with hoses ‘Til Mother said, “No more!” On other days we put on plays And practiced grown-up looks And acted out the characters We’d read about in books In spring we wore our roller skates That clamped on shoes with keys. We rumbled down the sidewalks And often skinned our knees! We went to church on Easter - White gloves we’d surely use - With brand-new suits or dresses, Flowery hats and patent shoes! Winter was a great time For skating on the pond, Our toes and fingers frozen, But how we whirled around! And now the scene has changed To a hill that’s thick with snow. And now I’m flying on a sled To see how fast I’ll go! I still recall the smell of Bonfires smoky in the fall. Then Halloween, Thanksgiving – Such excitement I recall! I’m happy where I am today. I’ve taken what life brings, But memories can take me back, And nostalgia ever clings.