I Long For

I long for a time
When skinned knees were
my biggest problem
When my most debilitating fear
was an imaginary monster under my bed
I long for a time when daddy 
was my hero, knew everything, 
and could protect me from anything
I long for a time when
being sad was dramatic and
bittersweet... 
as if playing a character in a book.
I long for a time
when friendship took precedence 
over almost anything else...
When, in innocent delight,
we played at romance and relationships,
school yard crushes so full of emotion
And angst. 
I long for a time
When summer meant freedom
and lasted an eternity.
Politics were out of our realm
of understanding and responsibility.
Debt and bills were grown up words, 
Adults spoke in code about
death, disease, and other distressing
truths, which were not for our 
sensitive ears.
Coolaide mustaches, play grounds, 
Saturday morning cartoons (we had
to blast to hear over the lawn mower 
sounds all over the neighborhood)
Penny candy, captain crunch, 
Ronald Mcdonald and the Hamburgler,
sore muscles from bike riding all weekend, 
sleep overs and frozen training bras,
Judy Bloom, The karate kid , and Marty Mcfly,
the Never ending Story and ET, Madonna, 
The New Kids on the Block, 
(Danny,Donnie, Joe, John, Jordan)
and Dirty Dancing, Just Say No! 
I long for those simple days and for youth.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
May 18, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Your experiences make you sound my daughter's age. She adored New Kids on the Block. Yet all these things you mention were very similar in my time as well. I miss those days too. Great poem
Woods Avatar
May 20, 2025 at 11:48 AM
I'm a child of the 80s lol... loved NKOTB! Lol... I'm glad this can relate to every generation and I thank you for your feedback! Xo
Onclaud Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:56 AM
ohh how we all yearn to nurture that child within so pure and free from bias...a charming, sensitive work , crystol!
Woods Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 11:41 AM
I appreciate that so much! Xo
Andresen Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 4:26 AM
- A fearless and carefree time that will never return... but, the memories will always be with us... in adult life there are many "ghosts" but not under the bed :) - A wonderful poem, Crystol :) - hugs
Woods Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Thank you i appreciate the read! Xo
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