innocence

“We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget
that he is someone today.” – Stacia Tauscher, dancer & artist

when i was a child,
i could not see beyond
the earth’s bent knees.
my eyes knew not the meaning
of the bruises
that ringed the trees.

all the flowers wild
danced to the music of
the gentle wind,
whose courtship lingers long
with those he chooses
to tickle-tease.

how the hills beguiled
my longing thoughts, as though
i might have sinned
to hunger for a song
beyond my learning!
nought to appease

one so infantiled
by looming shadows, whose
dark threatening
denudes my innocence
and stirs my yearning
for full release.

to be reconciled
back to the clay of my
transfigured mind,
first i must climb the sky
to cool life’s juices
with transient peace.

earth is not defiled
by innocence of youth
when passions cease
or wisdom carries hope
where’er he chooses,
beyond green trees.

Copyright 2019 July 28
by Clyve A. Bowen♫