Poetry

The Summer Without Children

A sad reality

I went walking one fine day Around the neighborhood A few lone people passed my way Like me, older I must say Walking like we should

Like them, I try to slow the creep Of what we can’t deny And so we walk instead of rest Doing what we know is best At least we have to try

Soon I saw a grassy place I had not known was near It was, foremost, a children’s space And curious I slowed my pace There were no children there

There were slides and swings galore Playing structures, grass and trees Everything kids crave and more Many should be here, a score In summer doing as they please

But only one stray rabbit lopes Across the wide expanse The kids are safe inside, one hopes A father frets, a mother copes They dare not take a chance

A sign is posted there to warn Us all to keep apart And stationary swings, forlorn Are all I see this lovely morn And this just breaks my heart

©2020, Denise Shelton. All rights reserved.

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