My Childhood

I saw a child on a play yard swing
And my soul soared with fervent joy.
As precious memories came flooding back
To when I was just a boy.

When on a sweltering summer day
My shirt and shoes were often first to go.
Since nothing had a better feel
Than the cool grass between my toes.

The swing, the slide, the monkey bars
Where sweet Helen stole a kiss.
When at the time... seemed most unkind
But now has earned a storied bliss.

The many games of British Bulldog
We played to the edge of a summer light.
Till our Mother called a second time...
We were forced to bid our friends good night.

Blow pops, pop rocks and bottle rockets
Were the well earned cause of tooth decay.
While any nutrition laced with vitamins
Were still lost to future days.

My bumps and scrapes of minor wounds
Were left to heal on their own.
While the deeds that caused such battle scars
Were merrily born with sated groans.

But my mind can barely fathom
How such treasured times have gone.
But such is how the march of time
Keeps our memories safe where they belong.

I wish I had the bearing
To have made those moments last.
But sadly such is not the case
So they happily languish in my past.

                The End
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Dillenbeck Avatar
September 20, 2019 at 10:04 AM
And I hope you feel better as well, remembering these moments gradually building your cherished history. Thank you. GD
Debole Avatar
September 16, 2019 at 11:05 AM
Those memories sure can be comforting and appreciated, as shown in your heartfelt poem. At the time, we often don't realize that the times we are living through will be future treasures.
Laurie Avatar
September 13, 2019 at 10:23 PM
Hello David … brought back great childhood memories from your poem. A time when kids could be adventurous and inventive. No Internet games back then - thank you David - Lindsay
Allison Avatar
September 11, 2019 at 12:52 PM
what fabulous childhood memories David I thoroughly enjoyed reading of your early life .. not sure if today's youngsters have so much fun with far too many of them glued to computer devices and not out in the fresh air interacting with 'real' people:-( hugs Jan xx
Romios Avatar
September 20, 2019 at 5:13 PM
My grandson and his friends are all Little League All stars. They are at practice several nights a week. Games all day Sunday. There is traveling baseball to. After that is basketball. The kids in my town don't deserve to painted as glued to a TV, PC or video. They walk pets and play instruments. Far more exercise than I ever did or had.thats how it it is. If you ask me.its the adults glued to PCs, FB.etc. PR
Mchattie Avatar
September 13, 2019 at 8:52 PM
When I drive by the playground... i'm amazed how there are usually no children there. I wonder where they are? Have a great day.
Wolf Avatar
September 11, 2019 at 12:27 PM
Enjoyed the nostalgic trip back to childhood, David. Hard to believe we're the same people today, sometimes... And congrats on publishing your book and selling it on Amazon. Good for you!! :) gw
Mchattie Avatar
September 13, 2019 at 8:50 PM
Thanks Gershon. It is hard to believe we made it this far. Stay frosty my friend.
Romios Avatar
September 11, 2019 at 10:41 AM
Hi David...making this a FAV. Staying out late was just the best, there were tons of fireflies in the Midwest, PS, thank you for commenting on my poem on 9/11. You are a man of great courage and feeling. You are a true mensch! Love, Panagiota
Mchattie Avatar
September 13, 2019 at 8:49 PM
I've been called a lot of things... but never a 'true mensch.' I love it. Have a great day my friend.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 11, 2019 at 9:35 AM
This is absolutely adorable. You captured the feeling of innocence and childhood wonder. I enjoyed it even more reading it a second time.
Mchattie Avatar
September 13, 2019 at 8:48 PM
Thanks Richard. It is always fun to look back on such treasured memories. Have a great day.
Godwin Avatar
September 7, 2019 at 11:58 PM
I absolutely adore, love and value this nostalgic, heart-tugging poem of such profound bittersweet imagery that I feel I could reach out and touch it. Great lines and rhyme carry this beauty from start to finish. I often write about play and play now as vs. then. I don't know what British Bulldog is but sounds like an American game, "Red Rover, Red Rover???" You took me back and I enjoyed every word of it - thank you. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
Mchattie Avatar
September 10, 2019 at 9:34 PM
I've heard about red rover... no idea what it is? I will go and google it. Glad you enjoyed my little ditty. Have a great day my friend.
Chiri Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 4:45 PM
This was an amazing write! Bringing back days of youth!;)
Mchattie Avatar
September 6, 2019 at 9:25 PM
Happy you enjoyed it. Childhood is just not long enough. Have a good day.
Lamoureux Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 8:52 AM
Now days Kids are afraid to take risks because sone parents are overprotective. We need risk takers. This piece brought back memories.
Mchattie Avatar
September 6, 2019 at 9:25 PM
Many parents would not dream of leaving their children unsupervised... if anything happened... they might be arrested. Have a good day.
Byrne Avatar
September 3, 2019 at 1:31 AM
Hi David, What a wonderful poem. It sounds as though you had a great childhood and I am delighted for you, such great memories. You have brought me back to my childhood days, good times. Thank you,, Frances
Mchattie Avatar
September 6, 2019 at 9:23 PM
Those were precious times. I loved being outside. I think that is why I took up golf. Being on the course at sunset, no wind, crickets chirping, ah... heaven.
Connelly Avatar
September 2, 2019 at 11:50 AM
A beaut David!!! Perfectly understood. My son, now out of high school was considered a "free range child"??? Like a chicken, but that's how I grew up. It's called: Parental/Child Communication and Understanding. He took some of the falls and bruises I did, but without knee or elbow bicycle pads (a helmet is now a law)!!! It seems David that you turned out alright, relatively speaking lol; Parents need to grow up, and Children need to be kids. Thank you David.
Mchattie Avatar
September 6, 2019 at 9:19 PM
My parents never knew where we were half the time. I gave my son lots of freedom but I did insist on knowing where he was and what he was doing. Have a great day my friend.
Dietrich Avatar
September 1, 2019 at 6:29 PM
I do not relate to the bottle rocket stuff, but many of the other things are so relatable to this USA girl and HER childhood memories. Love this well metered nostalgia. It's a fave.
Mchattie Avatar
September 6, 2019 at 9:17 PM
Thanks Andrea. Being young was a hoot. Having grandchildren is like a second childhood. Have a great day,
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace