Childhood

I had a childhood strong and fair
Not a care,
Golden hair.
Summers were long and warm
With laughter and adventure,
You were there.

Then came independence
And with it, choice
A loud voice
Silent yearnings strangled by curious cravings
Precious flowers picked and discarded
Unpardonable sins
Left un-reprimanded.

Subtly suffering asserted itself
Days turned on their head
Self image dead
No rest in bed

I had a childhood strong and fair
Not a care
Golden hair,
I turn now to look
But you're not there.

Joe Morriss
2005