Piggybacks and No Takebacks!

I never stopped

to think about it

until very recently

how sad it is

we can never enjoy

the simple pleasure

of a piggyback,

once we're fully grown.

Perhaps if Shaq

or someone tall enough

is a friend or relative

or you are short by comparison

you can still enjoy

the simple, giddy fun

of being carried around

on someone's shoulders,

legs hanging down and kicking.

Unless, of course

you win something,

then you can maybe

just maybe, enjoy

that pleasure again,

without it being weird.

Team mates grabbing you

and hoisting you up.

Legs hanging

down over shoulders,

all smiles, all cheers.

I miss piggybacks,

from uncles no longer here,

from a dad here, but not there.

To be hoisted up on high,

towering over everyone

in truly delirious joy.