Our Children: past, present, and future

Playground, let me play on you
climb your stairs, then slide down
back down again;
yes, keep getting up--
for the thrill of the climb
Same destination every time
a seemless float back down to the ground

Playground, let me play in you
jump your hurdles
grasp your ropes
until my palms are red
and rope-burned
swinging through the sting

Playground, let me conquer you
make it to the top of your tower
risk my wet soles on your slippery footholds
reach for the sun that seems so close

Playground, let me play with you
just a few more times
until the ground turns to asphalt
the footholds turn to elevators
the slide down becomes rocky
and the ropes turn against me--
choking what's left of innocence