He Captured Childhood

He captured childhood, never let it go, Sidestepped the potholes of “growing up” Never forgot that ice cream is better when shared Popsicles meant to be broken in two Throwing stones in the pond an avocation Skipping them….an art He still slurps his soup as taste has consequences Milk moustaches, especially chocolate, an art form He still wipes his hands on his pants Will pet a wet dog, tell “that” joke again Wear that favorite frayed flannel Flirt with the cashier at the super market He will make fun of everything and everyone And sometimes keep it to himself More often though he leaves them shaking their heads Wondering…”when will he ever grow up” He knows, that they know, the answer Probably never…if we’re lucky