It almost seems like yesterday
that I was young and full of fun
When every waking hour was play
and every walking speed, was run
What fantasies I did create
when I was left to play alone
Out beyond the garden gate
far from people who were grown
A simple stick became a lance
a fallen bough, my faithful mare
I slaughter dragons with a glance
once I had tracked them to their lair
My stick, a sabre oft became
while in the U.S Calvary
As Indian fighter made my name
against Apache, and Shawnee
I hunted lions on the plains
Twas then my stick became a gun
Forged rivers swelled by monsoon rains
fought alligators, just for fun
I did not see the hours pass
my thoughts were set to other things
It happens all to soon, alas
that years slip by on sprouted wings
I was too young to comprehend
that one day I'd be old and grey
Or, that winter would descend
and endless summers pass away
Full fifty years have passed me by
the stick’s now used to steady me
I watch another summer fly
and dream of how it used to be
Author notes
Written June 16th, 2005
A contest entry
- #115 When I was a kid, school vacations seemed to last forever. by daviscth.
425 points, ended August 18, 2008, 8 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 13 of 13
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One can well see why a gold trophy was given to this most enjoyable piece, yes indeed. It seems that the flow and rhythm of the whole write was just too spot on...giving the reader a ride down memory lane with you, and what a glorious ride it was. A childs play is the world in which nothing ever is impossible and all dreams come true, no matter how far they seem to be. I loved the rhyme which gave the piece a skipping feeling. The simplest pleasures were enjoyed from the most unikely things. I can remember that we use to use stick for all sorts of games and that stick was a most important part of our lives. Today, it's a computer keyboard that drives the kids. Hopefully there are still many who can find the pleasures in the little things in life. You have given me a glimpse of another time, a place where you played and a place where I was played....I still play but a little slower and sitting down...lol!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for this incredible write and again, congrats on the beautiful gold trophy.
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Excellent
Now this is why I hate to see that 'No rhyme' message on contest invitations.
When a poet can hold you spellbound with a story, and with perfect meter, the existence of the rhyme goes virtually unnoticed, while it's peal subliminally adds to the power of the poem and to it's enjoyment.
Which is exactly what you've done here - no forced rhyme, perfect flow and rhythm, and a picture of nostalgia for innocent times painted, which will resonate with many ( particularly the chronologically challenged among us...! )
Absolutely wonderful poem, and thoroughly deserving of the Gold, well done.
PJ
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Thank you PJ for such encouraging comments As to rhyme I can not do anything other that (I guess the contest setters are entitled to select the type of poetry accepted) In most of my contests i leave it open to all sort Though i have done a few just rhyme (as that is my preferred poetry)
though i do enjoy some of the none rhyming work
Thank you once again for your most welcome comments I appreciate it
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What wonderful childhood memories this brings back!!! When I was a kid, summer seemed to last forever...
Thanks so much for posting in my contest. -
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What a wonderful surprise to have received the gold award for this piece I did so enjoy the contest and read some wonderful works So to have been so placed it an honour Thank you
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this was a fond memory for you and others as well
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MOST EXCELLENT dude! You certainly have a way with weaving intense and profound imagery through your words. I found myself back in the mind of a child myself as I read your offering. MASTERFUL CRAFT indeed.
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i remember i was the same way. i was the only kid my age, my sister was 10 yrs older then me so i had only me to play with. this poem is more then just beautiful, it is inspiring. great poem and thank you for entering.
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The nostalgia portrayed in this poem is so bittersweet yet beautiful. It is nice to reminisce the childhood days isnt it? I remember when I was a kid, I loved playing in the rain a lot and I was quiet famous in school for my voice... It was wonderful. Thank you for sharing this Legend. Truly a beautiful write. Best wishes to the contest. If this is a voting contest, you have my vote for gold!
Eris
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Great poem! Beautiful! Brilliant write... Good luck in the contest!
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* : ~ : * Becky * : ~ : * -
Legend, you are very welcome. I try to make sure I make a comment on all of the good poems I read. Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem with us. I will read more of yours in the future.
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Oh, yes, didnt things seem simple then! We could make anything happen...in our imagination. We used to build dens and pretend we were on desert islands and the boys would do a road on our patch!.lovely....not many places to build dens on these days....I can remember thinking anyone over 20 was ancient! Of course now I think that 50 is the new 40!
you stirred some wonderful memories in me too,...great style and flow to this and the picture is a sheer delight. -
Excellent
I think this is a great poem. Excellent! I love it! I wish you the best of luck in this contest.
lost-in-side
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