Childhood Heights

Outside, the world is calling, kids climb in laughter's spree,

so I wander close, and wonder what happened to me.

I can still feel the sun, can almost taste the breeze,

with bark beneath my fingers, oh to feel that ease.

A child invites me upward, to join in their ascent,

my heart takes flight at memories, a journey heaven-sent.

I grasp the rough-hewn branches, my fears all start to fade,

up high, the ground beneath me, just a distant masquerade.

The rush of air, it pulls me back to innocence so true,

but shadows whisper warnings: 'The heights will always skew.'

As I reach for shining leaves, my soul begins to sing,

but I’m tethered by the years, and I’ve forgotten how to spring.