My Childhood Pathways

Oh, that magical age of 5 -that long-ago time 
when memory sharpens and events recalled
get compartmentalized into something more
than mere wisps of mist! Infancy’s vast fog lifts!
My own childhood more vividly recalled began with a country lane
which took my younger sisters and me away from grandpa’s yellow house
past berry bushes and rows upon rows of corn; how happily we meandered.

A year passed. Away from Grandpa’s farm, I got to know new pathways.
These were the streets of my new home city, where my mother remarried.
I walked a labyrinth of new streets, alongside new siblings as well!
In winter’s frigid cold, I’d trudge the many blocks to school and back.
In summer’s heat, my many siblings and I would traipse three mile
just to relish swimming at the pool, licking ice cream cones on our way home.
Poor - but not in spirit - we walked and walked and walked. . . 

My 13th year, I walked all my city’s streets selling Christmas cards in summer.
Boils festered on my arms, but I was determined to cover all my town.
That fall, I bought myself a purple bike with the money I had saved.
Another magical year it was! As my life picked up speed, 
I left my childhood behind -
pedaling up grueling hills, then racing gleefully down them.

Nov. 28, 2018
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Faulkner Avatar
December 16, 2018 at 1:45 PM
Sounds like you learned a lot from the paths you took, congratulations on your win!
Devonshire Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 2:55 PM
Andrea, Just stopping back with congratulations on your win in Craig's contest! Sending wishes for holiday cheer, Carolyn
Barden Avatar
December 15, 2018 at 10:49 AM
Sincere congratulations on your win in Craig's "My Youth" contest, Andrea - blessings and best wishes to you and yours for a wonderful holiday season! Keep the wonderful ink flowing, my friend! :-) <3
Kendrick Avatar
November 30, 2018 at 6:18 AM
Enjoyed reading your work. Awesome that you bought your own bike with money you earned. You had the pluck. Thanks for the visits to my page. Sara
La France Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 6:15 PM
Andrea, loved your childhood poem, what a wonderful little girl you were, best of luck in the contest ~
Horsman Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 4:32 PM
I agree with Carolyn, Andrea, love to read anything about you, and the mentality that creates such beautiful poetry.
Devonshire Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 11:23 AM
I love the way the reader gets to know you in this poem, Andrea. Your childhood memories are depicted with grace and style. A beautiful write, dear friend! Hugs, Carolyn
Mcferran Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 10:17 AM
Another excellent write... I really enjoyed the way you wrote this. A very charming and nostalgic poem! ;)
Horne Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 9:20 AM
cleverly written, my friend - loved trying your Andaree form for Emile's contest, by the way
Michael Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 7:35 AM
You may have had it hard along the way but special in every way...A nice write...I like it...All the best Andrea
Pandit Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 6:03 AM
WOW! A simple, yet powerful depiction..there is much happiness of childhood and yet tones of melancholy. Your poem evokes... makes me stop and think of my childhood. Well written, as always, Andrea.
Cunningham Avatar
November 29, 2018 at 1:53 AM
I'm enjoying your stories down memory lane Andrea. Tom
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