Reminiscing

Do you remember the heat of summertime?
The salty sweat of the face glistening and
The still dew-damp grass from morning,
As bare feet are caressed as they run.

Do you remember the tragedy of the first tooth?
Swinging it back and forth in your gum,
As fright pushes down pride,
When the tooth is pulled by a string.
Joy in the form of a quarter from Tooth Fairy.

Do you remember the white of Christmas?
Bundled, waddling in the snow like a penguin.
Smelling the peppermint musk of Santa
As you cuddle him, whispering of gifts.

Do you remember the burn of skinned knees?
Tears running down, marking dirty cheeks.
Instant relief of a Band-Aid and a mother’s kiss.

Do you remember the terrible monster, “Cootie,”
As you run from their attack on your body.
Saying magic words and waving arms
To kill the monsters of other gender.

I reminisce with my many youths;
Chocolate’s taste on my face,
Wind through my hair as I swing,
Smelling burnt wood while camping,
Pounding fists when grounded,
Dressing in frilly pink with a smile.