-- CHILDHOOD DREAMS --
John Herlihy
Hung bare-legged from apple trees,
We crawled into holes on our knees.
On the front porch, we counted stars,
We ran and collected fireflies in jars.
In terror, we swatted the dragonflies,
The poor grasshoppers none too wise.
Easy to catch, pull off their little legs,
Stuff the baby turtles in square pegs.
I played Red Indian to Roger’s cowboy,
Those lined-up soldiers my favorite toy.
We insulted a gang on another street,
Grandma we always did politely greet.
Into my mouth, I stuffed cotton candy,
In suspenders and bow tie I felt dandy.
After dinner, I wolfed down brown betty
At night, I slept with my toy bear Teddy
In fear, I sang solo in the church choir,
In autumn, I set colored leaves on fire.
My mud-smeared face held no dreams,
Free in the dream of childhood it seems.
- - - - - -
(c) John Herlihy 29 March 2019
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Well done.
Very evocative poem, the imagery is very effective...just loved this poem, so much!
David
Ron
"In fear, I sang solo in the church choir,"
Actually I was the Junior Choir director . . . Yup, ya brought back memories, my friend, and I gratefully thank you for that.