Summer day.
And I run outside to play.
Mama says, "Shut that door. You're letting out my air."
Papa says, "It's hot out. You best beware."

Wide open yard.
I take off running.
Mama says, "Oh, don't kick up so much dirt."
Papa says, "Just be careful you don't get hurt."

Fat blackberries
grow by the fence.
Mama says, "Make sure you don't eat too much."
Papa says, "Watch out for snakes and such."

Swing hanging from limb.
I pump my legs to make it go.
Mama says, "Don't twist like that. Make it go right."
Papa says, "You better just hold on tight."

Big old tree
begging to be climbed.
Mama says, "Careful you don't fall to the ground."
Papa says, "Whatever you do, just don't look down."

Darkening path
heads into woods.
Mama says, "Don't you go too far."
Papa says, "Just make sure we know where you are."

Tired at last
I come inside.
Mama says, "Go scrub those hands real good."
Papa says, "Dirt's just part of childhood."


From Worlds Enough (Redhawk Publications, 2022).
Used here with permission.