my inner child whispers “how long has it been”
“since you danced in the rain”
“scream out loud through your lungs”
“wear your slippers in the wrong foot”

“how long has it been”
“since you played in mud in a pouring rain”
“making a paper boat to see it sail away”
“sneak out and run to the fields”

“how long has it been”
“since you hurt yourself and ignore”
“carefully opening the door to sneak in”
“both hands and feet very dirty”

“how long has it been”
“since you wore a torn underwear”
“not minding if it’s disgraceful or disdainful”
“you cared less of what the world would say”

“how long has it been”
“since you roll tyres down a road”
“torsos bare on a dirty short”
“returning home with sweats and awful smell”

“how long has it been”
“since you went hunting in the bush”
“chasing squirrels and rabbits alike”
“but chased out by termites and the bees”

“how long has it been”
“since you gave your shadow preference”
“your toe shoots out from a hole in your stockings”
“you mimic yourself in a mirror”

he finally sigh …“how long has it been”

@talk2leigh
(twitter & insta)
7:12pm
27 Sept 2024
© tonyseunleigh