Gone are the days...

Gone are the days
when you could
put an upside down
container on your head
and pretend to
be a fireman
or a space cadet
or zombie.

Gone are the days
when you could
laugh out senseless
and roll on the floor
thanks to a
fart or burp
or other bodily sounds.

Gone are the days
when dewdrops
mesmerized you and
Mr. Moon excited you
no end; when a
fountain was all
you needed to
make your world complete.

Gone are the days
when everything was
new and held promise
when you didn’t know
what tomorrow was
but you knew it
would be bright
like today.

Gone are the days
when you uninhibitedly
hugged
and kissed
those who made you
feel special.

Gone are the days when
the loss of a toy truck
was the biggest tragedy
of your life
and the acquisition
of a new one
your biggest triumph.

Gone are the days when
you could laugh
and cry wantonly
when you could
love with
utmost passion
when you could
pick yourself up
dust yourself off
and carry on
with the same
enthusiasm.

Gone are the days when
you didn’t know
the meaning
of prejudice
aim
ambition
purpose
guilt
hatred
remorse
jealousy
or hardship.

Gone are the days
when your existence
was simple
your needs basic
your wants
limited to icecream
and one more ride
on a toy train.

Gone are the days
when you were
really, truly, genuinely
content.

When you lived
the meaning of
happiness
and didn’t just
read about it
in a book.

Gone are the days
when you were
free.​

Also posted on my blog.

 

Thanks, Radhika

 

They aren't completely gone. And by way of writing this poem, I was hoping to remind myself how far along I've come on this journey of life and how much I've lost in the course of it ... hoping that the kids in my life will continue to remind me to partake in the simple pleasures of everyday living. Thanks for giving this a read

 

Appreciate your appreciation