sun-kissed cheeks,
tangled wild hair,
pouncing, dashing
through tall, sticky grass

up rough, crumbling trees,
down ice-cold creeks,
ankles tickled by wriggling eels—
laughter loud, free, aimed at the sky

rolling down bumpy hills,
soft grass clinging to clothes,
a taste of wild fruit—
sweetness dripping from the chin

pure joy, carelessness,
freedom—
soul light as a breeze,
never a dull moment

i miss being a wild child