To Be as a Child

It’s more natural to be as a child
untouched by vices and greed of the world.
to wonder at ladybugs and dragonflies;
to swirl like a butterfly with wings unfurled.

To make up adventures while playing in woods;
to search for swift tadpoles while wading in streams,
jump over puddles or tumble in snow,
and proclaim with no guile implausible dreams.

How freeing to feel like an innocent child.
No preconceived notions clouding our mind
or fear of reprisals for things we might say
since to hate and racism we would be blind.

Why must growing old stifle our laughter?
We should model great kindness as we grow.
Can you imagine how great our world would be
if more like a child, we let our love flow?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Goldsmith Avatar
January 30, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your lovely write. Great Ending... Have a blessed day with your win as you write away..................
Singh Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 8:04 PM
A high ideal we are below it.
Hind Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Ah, your words hit their mark. I agree.
Tor Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Such a heartfelt piece Andrea. Hugs...
Poet Avatar
January 15, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Andrea, your writing is just beautiful. The value of preserving one's youthful innocence is often overlooked as one age.
Rodgers Avatar
January 15, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Dear Andrea, such a heartfelt reflection on innocence and love. I could see the tadpoles, butterflies, and unbridled laughter which I found to be nostalgic and uplifting. Ahh, the essence of a childlike heart—free and kind. Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Macfarlane Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The innocence of childhood is treasure not realized until we get older. Wonderful delightful write Andrea. Hugs
Fisher Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Wonderful theme and poem. Love the 'freeing to feel like an innocent child' line, which I think is one of the keys in life, ever to be used whenever we feel we have too much weight on our shoulders. Play makes it go away, like magic!
M  Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Absolutely love this poem Andrea…the innocence and joy of a child and just living and being in the moment! Debx
Magdalinos Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Dear, Andrea, it's absolutely true. Luke 18.15-17:Jesus said " Let the children come to me and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" Have a blessed day
DiMino Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 9:43 AM
"How freeing to feel like an innocent child. No preconceived notions clouding our mind" -- one must be reborn of faith and love. Lovely, deeply inspiring poem.
Empress Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Dear sweet andrea, how you paint imagery here and how youv written this in such a descriptive manner is truly impressive and it does sound like a beautiful childhood, that would be a peaceful and a warm place to be, i appreciate the thought of being free as a child, as freedom in childhood is a shared feeling , amidst all the highs and lows of life. I love the way youv interpreted the line of enquiry, so dreamy and light to the soul and heart! Best wishes sweet andrea! Sending you light always
Read Avatar
January 14, 2025 at 7:21 AM
As you say Andrea a child is blind to hate and racism, sadly it's the parents who poison their minds. xx
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