like we were kids

We used to play orphans in the woods

Running home out of the cold

To soup, a fire in the hearth,

Mom waiting at the screen door

Dad pulling up in his truck

As the sun fell below the horizon

We used to run through the corn field

Stalks slapping our faces and bare arms

Breathing fast and quiet

Sweat slipping down our backs

Playing hide and seek 

We used to run, always running

Bare feet slapping the packed dirt

Knowing all the roots and rocks on the beaten path

Slipping on the early evening dew in summer

Asking for just five more minutes

We used to jump on the trampoline 

For hours in the freezing cold

Holes in our jeans at the knees

Wrestling and spraying each other 

With the hose in the heat

We used to jump across rows of hay bales

Climb the trees and cut them down

Swing from the tire swing

And do cartwheels across the yard

And take our blankets out in early spring

We used to swim in the muddy river 

And follow the flood of the hurricane

Back home through the woods

Where we'd play games

Designed to ruin our parents' furniture

We used to cram in the bed of Dad's truck

Sticking our heads out in the wind like dogs

Hair flying all in our open mouths, laughing

Bluegrass playing out the open windows

And I guess I'm just in a panic to get it all down

Because we all failed in different ways 

But everyday was so simple

And the anticipation of the next was visceral and excruciating 

And so clear when I think back

Like I just couldn't wait

Like we were just living

Like we were kids