Cherish Childhood, Change

(As posted today on Picture, Poetry & Prose. Photo credit: c'est moi!)

Ode to Childhood

Wiping eyes, sleepless nights
A newborn takes his toll
Cherub grows big, now takes flight
A toddler's mirth is born.

Kid yoga, preschool years all done
And now you're really big
Scorecards full of kid games won
Jumping on just one leg.

Growing learning pre-teen years
Now you know everything
Fights with girls and boys and tears
I don't know anything.

Taller than me, looking down
I nearly recognize myself
Raucous laughter, deep deep frown
Eat life up, my elf.

Flash forward in time from now
Unearthing bright memories in advance
Laugh through judgement, pain and vow
To always take that chance.