Ode to Childhood Innocence (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Ode to Childhood Innocence
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Monday, May 4, 2026 Rated "G" by the Author.

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Ode to Childhood Innocence by John Herlihy Ah, to be as little children, to live as children forever, To run thru streets lit by sunset, have to go home never. To wrestle my playmates, being tickled into frantic laughter, To play together knowing they will be friends forever after. To take a deep breath as a surge of exultation passes through, Any more happier than this in life I never knew. Riding my bicycle through the empty streets for pay, Delivering newspapers to my neighbors at dawn of day. All the other children still sleeping in their beds, Sledding down winter snowdrifts on painted sleds. Ice skating across a frozen pond under a starlit sky, Blowing bubbles into the air without know how or why. Whisper to my imaginary friend and never feel alone, All trappings of my later life paired away to the bone. To wake up in the morning without worry or care, With full reliance on my night whispers of bedtime prayer. At the breakfast table with my oatmeal feeling like a king, Playing melodies on strings of my heart as my voice did sing.. Expressing all of my childhood emotions without pretense, Reveling in the magical wonder of sweet childhood innocence. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Sunday 7 December 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on May 21, 2026

WHAT A FINE WORK, JOHN...I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WORK... THE IMAGERY HERE ESPECIALLY BEAUTIFUL. THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Odin odin@aflx.com

Reviewed on May 7, 2026

To hold onto as many of these innocent ways to live as we grow older is so important. Yes, we often take ourselves too seriously, or maybe become fearful due to adults who have lost all their childhood innocence and choose to pursue power and domination. Childhood innocense as you so adeptly worded it is a way to stay young even as age takes away some of the ability to think as freely as one's youth. Perhaps part of the secret of living a long age is holding onto as many of our innocent treasures as possible.

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

You've given me a wonderful romp through my own childhood memories. Thanks!

Rebecca

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on May 5, 2026

The simplicity of children is their lack of ego. Most children's hearts are tender and pure. And in the eyes of most children there is joy and laughter and hope. Some of those wonderful things that mostly disappear in adults. Much nostalgia reading this. Thanks. Enjoyed.

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on May 4, 2026

A memoir in a poem. You certainly participated in a lot of typical children activity that those of us in the north could like sledding and ice-skating. But also grew up early with that paper route, learning how to earn money while others slept. Perhaps save it so you could buy a car or go to college.

I never had a secret friend because I had a twin brother who was my constant companion and friend. But we were highly competitive with each other and our cousins. While I often hear young children at play laughing, I can't recall ever laughing.

My brother and I would engage in a sword fight with a sword made from lath (thin wood strips use to hold plaster to walls in older homes) and a shield made from a wood bushel basket cover. Or some other dead serious game like marbles, cards, etc.

Ron