An Exercise in Imitation II

Remember how exciting
It seemed, running about,
In a playground wonderland
After lunch. With
Covered eyes we counted to ten
And ran to discover hidden playmates
Until we'd found every one.
Games and adventures filled
Our time outdoors. We'd
Play round after round of
Tag and kickball and hopscotch,
Taking turns at keep away and
The tire swing, around and around.
Young boys chased pig-tailed girls
Until red faced and panting we
Trudged back inside to
Numbers and lessons and letters -
Grown up things.

Two days ago, I visited
That schoolyard, watching,
Smiling at children
Playing all those games
I had once. From somewhere
A girl appeared
With reddened cheeks, and
Tagged me. Unable to resist,
I rejoined the game.
Still and always
A child.