Where did the sunshine-filled days of summer go
Back when we played pretend

When we became anything that our wandering minds created
A gentle princess, or a vicious monster.

When running with bare feet through grass as soft as a kitten
Was the only thing on our minds

When digging up a gnarled black rock in the green woods
Meant we had discovered a fossil

When counting the stars and bats in the purple night sky
Promised us that the world was beautiful

When jumping in the pool at 9a.m., or rolling down a grassy hill
Was the definition of happiness.

Now too, simple joys stretch out their hands and beckon me
But closed eyes blind me

Today I’ll open up my eyes and grasp them.