My little girl life happened way back when,
when I was eight or nine, or maybe ten.
I can remember...
Dipping cinnamon graham crackers into milk after school.
Riding bikes with my brother and sister - bragging,
"Look no hands!" (Weren't we cool?)
Being in awe of the stars, sequins in the velvet-sky night.
Waking up in the morning to birds singing, welcoming first light.
Sleeping on sheets: clothesline-dried, smelling of sun and air.
Drifting into dreams: tired, happy, no troubles to bear.
Listening to Dad's stories, told with a grin.
He'd get tickled at his own tales before he'd even begin.
Picking ripe, red strawberries straight from the patch.
Eating Mom's cookies - warm from the oven, love in each batch.
Husking corn, snapping beans, and shelling peas.
Running barefoot in the yard, steering clear of bees.
Making homemade churned ice cream, waiting for it to freeze.
A kiss from Mom, the miracle that healed our skinned knees.
Making gum wrapper bracelets and blowing dandelion wishes.
Sharing chores: setting the table, feeding the dog, and washing dishes.
Playing with the neighbors, games like hide-and-go-seek.
"Maple tree is home. Close your eyes. Count to 25, and don't peek!"
Lining up, hand to hand, calling, "Red rover, red rover."
Making nosegay bouquets from Queen Anne's Lace and clover.
My little girl life happened way back when,
when I was eight or nine, or maybe ten.
Imagine what it would be like to live that life again.
I think children would be much happier if they could live a life like that. I'm doubting they'll ever have wonderful memories like these to fall back on.
ReplyDeleteYou are so good with words, painting pictures for our minds.
Oh Wow, I love this so much Connie and it was like reliving my little girl memories. I love all of your poems so much.
ReplyDeleteDid we live the same life? I think we did grow up in similar circumstances. Your poems shine through with plenty of joy. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteDaisy, this is so so ...for me reading it, comforting but bittersweet in a way because it brings back so many memories. I really love it. Lately I'm going through a phase where I can't get enough of taking google maps and traveling through my neighborhood and surrounding areas of where I grew up in Kansas City. I have done it before but now there seems to be something different about it. anyway - wonderful poem!! I could really relate.
ReplyDeleteSweet memories. I love the metaphor of sequins in the sky. Thank you for your kinds words about the loss of my dog.
ReplyDeleteAh What a beautiful memory dear Connie!
ReplyDeleteYour imagination is so strong to drive me in days when i was may be ten :)
World was wonderland and life was magical!
singing ,running ,swinging ,dancing in the rains and getting our dolls married and on and on......
yes it will be a extraterrestrial experience if we have to live as care freely once again!
Ah---what awesome memories... I remember many of those. My Mom tried so hard to teach me to cook and sew and even to enjoy reading... BUT--being a tomboy, all I wanted to do was to be outside playing cops and robbers with the boys!!!!! ha..... I was her only girl --and she wanted to dress me with bows in my hair and frilly dresses... HA --I just wanted to wear my Roy Rogers Cowboy suit.... BUT---I still say that I had a wonderful life and my parents did so much to make and keep me happy. I miss those days ---and I miss the days of raising my 3 sons.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
This brings up so many memories for me. Well done, Connie. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
This wonderful poem transported me. You have such a gift!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your poem made me nostalgic for your childhood. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd mine. You captured the wonder and innocence of childhood beautifully.
Oh you brought tears to my eyes Connie. This poem so touched me. Did you get your gift from your dad? Hugs, lj
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lady Jane. My dad liked to tell stories, but my mom was probably more of a writer, so I guess I get my love for reading and writing from both of them. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteThis helped me to fondly remember when I shucked corn, ran through the grass barefoot. Riding bikes, red rover....Fun memories....beautifully written
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet remembrance of childhood......the kind of childhood that every child should have.
ReplyDeletejust sending lots of love and hugs dear Connie!
ReplyDeleteI love this poem, Connie. It brings back so many wonderful childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories and a beautiful poem. But be careful with the "no hands on the bike" as my brother did this when he was 10 or so and to this day has a false front tooth!
ReplyDeleteHave you read David Whyte? I've been spending a lot of time recently reading him and also John O'Donohue
wwww.thepulpitandthepen.com
Ouch! Sage, fortunately, that didn't happen to me, and I wouldn't do it now. :-)
DeleteAfter reading your comment, I looked up some of the work from both of these poets since I wasn't familiar with either of them. I liked them both. I'll have to look into reading more by them. Thanks!
Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind comments on this poem. It makes me happy when something I've written connects with what others feel when they read it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful poem, Connie, and as always you have conjured up some happy childhood memories that can resonate with so many of us. Also, thanks for your comments on blog posts posted during our cross country road trip. I'm trying to catch up on reading posts of fellow bloggers now.
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