Memories

As I wander through my mind, back to years now long gone by. I stumble over many memories, some now faded and worn by father time. Others clear, even brilliant, bring a tear, or a smile to the corner of my eye. At times I was cowboy Roy, as my pony raced the wind. Some game of cowboy, or some pirate or maybe I was fighter pilot Dan. There was bubble gum, old Junker bicycles, but I always wanted a Schwinn. Long lonely walks along the lakeshore, a fishing pole at ready in my hand. Flowers, frogs, tadpoles and maybe a story from grandpa, occupied my day. Dirt so hot, it burnt our bare feet, hot summers that never seemed to end. There were always chores that called, but not always done just right. And school, but also games, baseball, kick the can, now do come into my mind. That first kiss, that spun my head around.and made my heart so light. Chums and best friends, having now gone their separate ways. Stubbed toes, skinned shins, horses and how we played the game. Ah childhood, those were "the good old days". My first car, a FORD of course and this was a model "A" Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles now resting in their graves, Who taught those treasured values that guided and help me find my way. Hard work, responsibility my young shoulders forced to bear. There was sports and girls, challenges that I could never get quite right The years of war with stars hung in windows, for boys who were serving there. That redheaded girl that grabbed me by the heart and agreed to be my wife. There were hard times, but good times, as we traveled through the years. Four grown children, with children of their own, now living their own dreams of life The time of my life is passing, like water that flows on its journey to the sea. And though youth has escaped me now, these memories still burn just as brightly. Somehow I know that my life’s journey, was the adventure that a child had dreamt about with glee.