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.