ode to innocence (2006)

It seems so long ago

that we last met;

back when your name

was too hard to spell.

The world began

with screaming parents,

trying to awake you

from your fantastic slumber;

and ended when playtime was over.

When the doctor's shots hurt

and the candy felt rewarding.

When nap time didn't mean so much;

when all you wanted

was mommy's tender touch.

Having one-hour quarrels

with your best of friends;

If only you could consume us again.

You are blinding,

but the good kind;

you meant so little then,

wanting to grow up

should have been a crime.

We may no longer turn back

to see your beauty:

you are a golden treasure

worth more than anything.

The sad thing is:

you don't exist until

you're already gone.