Sand is still in my shoes,

Pen still on my cheek,

Writing in dust on my mirror

Tells of a day not long ago.

A day when childhood reigned.

Pebbles in my pockets

But shells crushed to dust in my bag

By books and folders.

They destroy that day,

The day when childhood reigned.

Carless abandon,

Boundless energy;

No more. Now there is worry,

Fear; stress; exhaustion.

Not like the day when childhood reigned.

Spidery writing and sweet little words

Are no longer wanted.

Now neatness and sophistication take charge.

Expectations swallow that day.

The day when childhood reigned.

Now it’s all boys, exams and uni.

Now it’s all talk of what we should be.

Now there’s a social politics we must obey.

And I long for a day;

A day of forgetfulness.

Long for a day;

A day of no worries.

Long for a day;

A day with no boundaries.

Long for a day;

A day when childhood reigns.