at dusk.

the dusk has just fallen
all the neighborhood kids have gathered
at the perfect place
the tallest one front and center
as the sun sets behind him
he declares a game of hide and seek
not like all the others they've had before
this will be different, special
the woods hold all the good old secret places to hide
and ones yet to be found
what's special tonight
is the kids will bid farewell
to a well-loved friend
and welcome a new one
at least, that's what's intended at this moment in life.
the leader, the tallest one,
beckons all the children closer to him
he whispers, "let's vow to keep our old friend tonight.
the new kid can play too, but our faithful friend can never leave."
they all nod eagerly, smiles across the entire crowd
as they all run to hide, they grab the hand of Youth
with one outstretched hand,
while Maturity starts to count...


june 14, 2008