Childhood

I also wrote this one when I was a teenager. There will be no literary prizes, but it did bring a smile to my face with the memories....


Childhood


I close my eyes
And reminisce
Of the years of my life
That were full of bliss.
No worries or cares
To dim bright days,
No responsibilities
Except to happily play
Games and laugh
At funny faces,
Hear neat things
And go neat places.
Ride old bikes
Down alleyways,
Sing crazy songs
And ride the MTA
With Mommy
To downtown Baltimore.
Oh what a thrill
For a child of 3 or 4.
I remember well
Those Little Debbie snacks
And bologna sandwiches
That were carefully packed
In my Care Bears lunchbox.
And what a joy
To eat Crackerjacks
And find the greatest toy
To trade at recess:
That jewel of the school day
Where all I had to do
Was go outside and play
Hopscotch and jacks
And that run-in-circles game
That we made up
(We were a little insane).
Back home we would jump rope
But only in the yard
Where we’d also ride our Big Wheels
Cause we couldn’t go too far.
We’d play kickball in the alley,
Watch old boys hoop in the park,
Build a secret fortress,
And be back home before dark.
Yes, those were the days
When everything was fun,
You’d get held and called cute--
Just ‘cause you were young.
No other time of life
Could come close to compete
With those carefree days of childhood
That were awfully sweet!
 

Leslie Datcher
10/11/94









                       

Where Does the Sun Go to Set?

Going through some old files, I found this poem I wrote when I was 14 years old. 
The message still applies today.

WHERE DOES THE SUN GO TO SET?

Lord, I can’t wear no heart-warming smile,
Cause my heart - Lord - words can’t explain.
Where does the sun go to set?
Lord, please let it rise again.

People, Lord, they hurtin’ so bad,
Depressed, wounded, and filled with pain!
Where does the sun go to set?
Lord, please let it rise again.

Lord, I feel their agonizing misery,
Their confinement to grief-filled chains.
Where does the sun go to set?
Lord, please let it rise again.

Just can’t tell no day from night,
The eyes of time are flooded with rain.
Where does the sun go to set?
Lord, please let it rise again.

Lead the weary to your arms
Where new strength, peace, and freedom they’ll gain.
Lord, you know where the sun went to set,
And yes - you’ll make it shine again.

Oh, you weary, worn, and lame,
For you the Son of God was slain
Let go of all your hurt and shame.
Look- the sun is shining again.

                            Leslie J. Datcher
                            4/15/91