Boyhood

When I was young

and hiking with friends or

gathering by bike

we tested outdoor skills

climbed trees

jumped brooks and

struck matches against rocks

to see sparks fly

always a couple of moose

common in our section of country.

Back then destination’s

goal a stretch of bulrushes

shoots of cat-tails calling.

We fell upon them with wild gusto

using them as spears and clubs

showering each other in clouds of

fluttering seed and later

muscles tested from wrestling.

Today’s youth gather mostly in pairs

to compete in computer games

the woods a place to avoid

where bird flu and mosquito scares 

are subjects to retreat from and

exercise a dash to the school bus.