Going back
Dust blows around the cracked sidewalks
The branches around me are stiff and brittle
The leaves have long ago said goodbye
This dry summer leaves me parched
My shoes are covered in dried memories
I walk through my childhood
Wearing my old sneakers
I use to play here so long ago
The merry-go-round is rusted still
The teeter totters protest use
If only by one
Even the sand in the sandbox seems tired
Where have my dreams gone?
Sitting on rusted swing I remember competitions
Who could fly the highest?
I used to fly so, so high
I picture the school yard full of hopes and wishes
Today it is all empty
Old songs swirl in the dry air of yesterday
Where is the imagined tomorrow?
I want to try the slide as I climb with childish hope
My adult ass too big for smooth memories
I get stuck
The school yard is full of yesterday
Today is nowhere to be seen
I chuckle to myself as I walk away
A dusty wind follows me
