"THE SWINGS"

A most relaxing spot,
the swings stood left
and
forward north
of the sliding board.

Here, boys idly swinging,
liked to talk
or
simply pass the time
in watching boys nearby
play mumble-peg
or
territory,
games they played with pocket knives.

On the swings,
a boy, sorting out his thoughts,
could center
and
feel God's tender love
descend from Heaven above.

While on a swing one day,
I heard a crack:
My voice had changed
from a higher
to a lower register.


(January 28, 2002)