Youth

Tweed patches dissolve from my mind
As I watch the clock spin like a yo-yo,
Decorated with Coca Cola and Fanta labels
From my childhood.

Flash, flash go the images of
Cricket matches on the front lawn
And stick fights in the park,
Charging down the street on
New bikes and skateboards,
Footballs over the fence and
Running from dogs driven mad.

Yet, where there were sprinklers in the sunshine,
Now everything is pin-striped and cold.

Tell my son to enjoy his time.
Tell my child to take risks.
Tell him this,
And smile for me.