Childhood Outlines

The kids sprawled on the pavement,

outlines in chalk,

as laughter weaves through the air,

smells of grilled meat clinging like memories,

remnants of the day before.

They trace their shapes,

like whispers drawn on the concrete,

a game of pretend,

of ghosts that wander in sunlight,

each mark a testament to joy,

these bodies that once were free,

easy, like floating leaves.

I pause at the edge,

my heart tightening with recollection,

a soft thud of nostalgia,

childhood spilled like chalk dust,

clinging to sneakers,

even as they run away,

each joyful moment an echo that stays.