The Hinges of the Day
By John Herlihy

Children live for a time in their own little world,
A world they create, waving pennants unfurled.
Although they may be somewhat small in size,
They always think big and make no compromise.
They know what they want and this they get,
If they don’t get what they want, they get upset.
The hinges of their day swing on open doors;
They play in all weathers and down on all floors.

They simply swing on the hinges of their day;
They laugh freely as they run about and play.
Whether it be sunshine, rain and falling snow,
Children revel in the natural world they know.
No question is left unasked simple or weighty,
They explore every whim with curiosity mighty.
They wear no mask and speak with no pretense,
They tell little stories with child-like eloquence.

No kindly heart is ever left aside undiscovered;
No urge of curiosity is every left alone uncovered.
The sacraments of their day have vital importance;
Food, drink, play, sleep provide them concordance.
They sleep soundly and are reluctant to awaken.
If forced to bed, they think their parents mistaken.
They accept love freely and in return soothe others;
With little troubles, they seek sisters and brothers.

The hinges of their day swing on intimacy and bliss;
They take no responsibility and nothing seems amiss.
They have no fear of death as they know not they die;
They say what they wish with no sense that they lie.
Everything to them is true , just as everything is new;
Imitate a rooster and they will sing cock-a-doodle-doo.
The happy child will never grow old before its time;
They live out an age universally considered sublime.