I met a girl, her face aflame with youth,

who came skipping down the street, her rope atwirl.

She said she'd like to skip the whole world over

and meet its people young and old.  This girl

had diamonds in her eyes.  I asked her when

she'd start; she was so vibrantly alive.

But then she looked at me and heaved a sigh.

"My mother said I must be home by five."

I met a boy who was in tune with all

the animals and plants, from bee to tree.

He said he could commune with them and learn

the secrets of a life of harmony.

"I'd love to live among my friends; I know

I could discover nature's Golden Rule."

"And so you should," I said.  "Alas, I have

to study law, and now I'm late for school."

I met a woman with a baby in

her arms, a book of verses by her side.

She said at heart she was a poet who

must explode from her cocoon.  "I cannot hide

it anymore.  My metaphors need warmth

and light to flourish or they'll soon be dead."

"Right on!  Here is a pen," said I.  We heard

a cry.  "Not now.  The baby must be fed."

I met a man, designer-clad, with car

of proper vintage, monogrammed his case,

who said he'd like to live on a mountainside

by a singing brook, give up the silly chase.

"I'd run with deer, instead, and then at dawn

I'd rope the sun and ride across the sky."

I said, "Why not?"  His Rolex shook its hands

at him.  He blanched.  "The time!  I've got to fly!"

And then I knew what I should do--go forth

to seek all people trapped and set them free.

And go I shall, but I cannot tonight

because my favorite sitcom's on TV.