Playground
swings
rusty metal creaks and squeals
under the weight of children
children squeal, too
for a second, they will fly
but as children do
they never fear the fall
sandbox
dirt and ants and sand
shift and mold like clay
baby gods form mountains, valleys
castles rise and crumble
they have no need for kings and wars
just those fragile walls
jungle gym
hot iron, paint, and woodchips
backdrop for many plays
the actors never need their lines
a maze of metal lines and planes
explorers welcome
you’ll never get lost
monkey bars
high above the earth
hands tight, arms strong
leaps of faith, no, certainty
speed back and forth, race!
if you jump just enough
proud blisters will remain
I am afraid to fall.
I build my castles ready for war.
I am always lost.
I like my hands unblemished.
I may no longer be a child,
but I remember how I loved to play.
