Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

The Gift of Play

I caught a look at myself and I smiled
I was skipping in the water,
Splashing it on my jeans, getting wet
Remembering what six felt like.

I had not given myself the gift of play in a long time.
A giggle escaped from somewhere long forgotten.
This sabbatical from work and home 
Was exactly what I had needed.

I had fought the idea of a vacation
But everyone had insisted after my breakdown.
First my body, and my nerves, then my physical body.
I was a wreck, and they all knew why except me.

I looked up and saw the sun shining through
Trees that were saying “keep on, we have your back.”
I had not been in touch with my child-like self 
In so many years, I did not think I remembered how to play

And yet for the first time in years I heard birds singing.
I heard the creek gurgling, and I began to full out laugh.
Joyful that I had been forced to do this, I began 
Returning back to myself, finding my soul here in these sacred woods.

♡Like0

Share 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

Panagiota Romios July 8, 2019 at 1:25 PM Play, play play, indeed. We adults are liable to get stodgy and stiff, easily. And boy! We can be boring and righteous! I agree, keep the child alive. Truly, another good poem you have penned! Panagiota Caren Krutsinger July 8, 2019 at 3:43 PM I nurture my inner child so often, others might think it crazy but to me it is my natural state of things I simply do.

Ilene Bauer July 7, 2019 at 6:10 PM wonderful, caren! so beautifully described... Caren Krutsinger July 7, 2019 at 9:29 PM Thank you Ilene. I appreciate it.

Rhona Mcferran July 6, 2019 at 11:43 PM This is beautiful. You definitely gave me the gift of play (which I had long forgotten). I remember one counselor said I needed to get in touch with my 'inner child', so she suggested I write a letter. I felt like it was a waste- that the letter went unanswered. Knowing you, years later, made me realize that the approach was all wrong... the letter was too serious (& probably scared her off), I needed to coax my "child" out with PLAY! ;D Caren Krutsinger July 7, 2019 at 7:59 AM The inner child is waiting for you to nurture her, and love her, and tell her that she is pretty, and delightful, and terrific and intelligent and you love her and will protect and take care of her and nurture her back to her most playful state. Playdough and legos are fun, and so is painting, cartooning, and DANCING. I love dancing!