When I was a Kid

At ground level we

discovered before days

of smooth asphalt

riding bicycles

on gravel roads

was a destination for childhood

and trying not to choke 

or lose control, cars roaring by

spitting a cereal of pebbles and dust.

Muscles bragging with

exertion meant passing a ritual

from boy to manhood.

During times of rest these same

stones brought fun games into play

skimming them across the pond

where fishing was neat -- not today

since we had plans. To fastest

climb on the oak

tree at grandfather’s farm.

The day was tiring for pre-teen boys,

roughhousing (after I won the tree

contest) then eating mustard

sandwiches Harvey brought. And cheese

chunks momma is sure to miss. Then

home, sweaty and full of talk around supper.

Bold adventures brought sleep before

the moon came calling (I dreamt of dust).