Time And The Fireflies

sometimes I wish I'd never grown up

go back to a world full of color and sound

the sound of peace

carefree days, filled with laughter and adventures

I've learned, being older was a myth, a ruse

I once thought it would be freeing

instead I've found it to be difficult

a prison of time and money and people

wanting every part of me, every moment

filling my head with worry, doubt and deadlines

I would let go, escape and go back

hide so that time couldn't seek me

were there clues that the last time would be the last time

we played till late, and the moon joined in

watching fireflies glow in our jars?

the breeze played a happy melody

and the air was renewing

I believe now, the stars were blinking a message of warning

don't grow up

I wish I had listened

I never knew how much I would miss everything

I should have stayed tucked and snuggled and hugged a while longer

now the moon hides in the clouds

and the stars no longer speak, or twinkle

things known as a kid, I knew, I just didn't know

how silent the night is

now I am old

my kids no longer talk with the moon and stars

and the fireflies are free - floating

flashing like the curser on my screen

and time is kept

keeping order

following rules

counting down....

until it runs out.

time....