The Gift of Childhood

Yelling and laughing.

Balls hitting bats.

Wheels on the streets,

wheels on the grass.

Hiding in the darkness

hoping you can't be found.

Skin color not uttered

with harshness.

Friends come from all 

around.

Running, swimming,

and catching.

Not worrying if anything's

matching.

Teddy bears, toys,

cookouts.

Cartoons, night-visioned

stakeouts.

Late nights, scary stories,

Sneaking treats.

Rare baths, candy,

and dirty feet.

Not caring if it's bedtime

or day-time,

wanting to play all day.

Waiting for times

to sneak out,

so the games won't stop 

or die out.