when she was a child,
things were easier then.
her days were spent playing,
out in her backyard,
with kids from her neighborhood.
and she lived in the worlds of innocence,
and spend her time
swinging on swings,
and playing it-tag.
and watching her dad
as he showed her
how to swing the bat
and catch the ball with two hands.
and her mom stood in the doorway,
and called them in for dinner,
and they sat at the table as a family.
and she couldn't ask to be excused,
until she finished all her milk.
and when she was excused,
she could play outside,
until the street lights came on.
and then it was bath time,
and bed time,
and her mom would tuck her in,
and she would say her prayers,
even though she didn't know what they meant.
and she would fall asleep,
knowing she was safe,
and loved,
and cared for.
things were easier then.