Heightened Moments

A flash of the past, it pulls at my veins,

a neighbor's boy climbs, excitement remains.

Arms stretched wide, like branches that sway,

up to the sky, where worries decay.

I remember the rush of rough bark beneath,

the thrill of the heights, with all I believed.

Each branch a new world, each knot a soft hold,

the stories that linger, like secrets retold.

But feet on the ground, now heavy with years,

I find in that climb, echoes of fears.

Yet still, I smile back at that innocent view,

the last time I climbed, when my spirit was true.