Childhood Games and Paper Planes
I watched in awe as he sailed them aloft.
When they crash landed, I never scoffed
nor did I laugh when they hit the ceilings
for that would've hurt the pilot's feelings.
Stacks of paper were a staple at our home.
Not far from my brother's side did I roam.
Just two years older, but I worshipped him
Sometimes a plane's body, he'd let me trim.
How patient he was to teach me things
about throwing planes and adjusting wings.
So many hours I spent watching him fold,
and telling me, "I'll do this when I'm old."
He gave in when I asked if I could color one,
he rolled his eyes but when it was done
he let me do another, and when I chose pink
he made a silly face, then gave me a wink.
Those childhood games in my memory remains
though I was awful at launching paper planes.
Not for very long were they gracefully air born,
but brother never complained, nor did he scorn.
He told me so often, "It's in the flick of your wrist."
Mine did nose dives, spinning with a tornadic twist.
I tried to relaunch the bent ones to save on paper,
but couldn't master the art of folding the right taper.
I'd ask, "Where are you flying your plane today?"
He would always say, "Somewhere very far away."
I wonder if paper airplanes are still being made.
May the joy of making this simple toy never fade.
August 27, 2022
Paper Airplanes Contest
Sponsored by Jim Lawless
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