Contrasts of Childhood

Childhood Past...

         Days of frolicking under the sun,
         Endless hours for childish fun.
         Squeals of laughter from hide 'n seek,
         Chased to safe zone of tree by creek.

         Chocolate chip cookies smeared on faces,
         Sticky fingers and untied shoelaces.
         Tiny hands clutching chalk
         Sketch masterpieces on sidewalk.

         Scooters, bikes and skates create
         Abstract traffic jam as giggles elate.
         Hopscotch squares littered with treasures,
         'Red Rover Red Rover' echoes pleasure.

Childhood Present....

         Dusk begins to swallow day,
         Children homeward begin to stray.
         One child left behind alone,
         Boogieman utters a guttural moan.

         Imaginary beast that hid beneath beds
         Slithers unnoticed, lives to shred.
         Once slain with hugs during the night,
         Now lurks around corners preying on sprites.

         For this little cherub no more kisses,
         Silenced forever as demon hisses.
         Hearts ripped from bosoms, families weep,
         Futures and dreams in distorted heap.

         Angels abducted, worlds torn apart.
         Virtuous spirits too soon depart.
         Searing scars never to heal,
         Twisted monster, heed our appeal.

         Innocent souls disappearing
         Wicked head of devil rearing.
         Join hands in prayer across our nations,
         Dear Lord, please cease these aberrations.

By Kathleen

© Copyright 2002

~Note From Author~ I remember my father telling me how his generation grew up in an age of innocence and how he worried about my generation. But yet, compared to today's children, I feel I also grew up in an age of innocence ... my friends and I roamed the streets after dark, we rarely locked our doors during daylight ... the boogieman was an imaginary figure who hid beneath the bed when we wanted an extra hug in the middle of the night !!! Today's generation is threatened ... not to sound melodramatic, but what will our next generation (my grandbaby's to be) face ?

©Danny Hahlbohm ~ used with permission
name of painting is "Little Precious One"

Table Of Contents