childhood is flying on the swings, feet kicking at the sky
propelled by gently pushing hands behind you
childhood is a handmade christmas card garbed in clumps of dried glue and glitter
beautiful beyond its season
childhood jumping into a puddle as deep as the sky and splattering mud all over mother
but never letting go of her hand
childhood is a kiss on a scraped knee that can make it all better
fallen tears that evaporate in the sunlight
childhood is climbing lopsidely up the mountainous stairs
on all fours, because the banister is beyond reach
childhood is smiling on the way to sleep, blessed by a mother's love
safe in the beauty of life