Forever etched in memory, those simpler times,
Messing ‘round, laughs a plenty, under them skies,
Looked forward to every summer, itching for some adventure,
Endless fun was had, time was inconsequential, just a never-ending cycle,
Ran with your crew, siblings from different parents, promised you’d grow old together, in the same block or retirement village,
But the clock ticks ever-onwards, quicker than you think, change is a constant not to be trifled with, might throw the wrench into your ambitions,
Y’all won’t see it coming, but one day you’ll head outside for fun,
For the last time under that sun, before changes gon’ come.
You’ll get up there in years, climb up the grades,
Homework piling up, free time further spaced out,
One or two might go M.I.A, scrapping plans day by day,
Others might fall with someone new, soon they’ve grown apart from you,
With age your priorities change, taking over fun and games,
Call it the end of innocence, gotta prep for grown-folks’ business,
But maybe you’ll get lucky, an opportunity might arise,
One final chance to turn back time, before you all get on with life,
To be young’uns once more, wild and carefree,
Get it out of your system before confronting reality,
Run, skip, catch and tackle, swing, hurdle and whatever,
Before walking off to the sunset, such an ending would be perfect.
But it need not be the end, maybe y’all can keep in touch,
But no such thing as guarantees, you’d be naïve to expect so much,
The winds can be unpredictable, scattering vessels in all directions,
Like an all-consuming hurricane barrelling over the terrain,
Might struggle to keep the crew intact in the face of such gales,
Might lose some, all might jump ship, but it need not end so grim,
Perhaps one or two might make it to the end with you, that’s already a blessing,
Enough to share the wins and losses, to take on all comers,
But no matter where y’all end up, the ties that bind will be enough,
What was shared and created, nothing and nobody can erase it,
Even if you’re apart, memories will stay in your hearts,
Triggering smiles, tears, laughter and longing in equal measures, a safe space from life’s daily pressures.
But no need to get ahead, these are mere musings,
Might play out differently, evidently, y’all are tight as can be,
Have fun messing around, kids, you might not know it yet,
But these are your golden years, the best of the best,
Better savour it now, enjoy each and every moment,
It’ll be over before you know it, live it to the fullest.