My childhood, the good parts at least, have always held a sort of wonder and magical feeling in my memory. I've preserved them so they seem nearly perfect. But then, doesn't everyone do that?

Everything was so simple! But then, I grew up. I'm sixteen now and, when you get to be a certain age, the magic around you starts to fade, so when you fix things in your memory, they don't hold that magic because you don't see it anymore. This poem is me looking back at the magic and trying to recapture some of that innocence and simplicity and a time when I didn't know how to spell "simplicity." I know I've done something similar to this before-"Once Upon A Time," if I recall correctly-but... Childhood meant the world to me, and I write about it a lot, especially when I feel nostalgic after watching old episodes of Pokemon or listening to an old song that I've loved since forever.

Bottom-line: This is another tribute to childhood. Don't you miss it?

I remember Christmas Eve,
And Thanksgiving with the fam.

I remember playing tag,
And being tucked in.

I remember simple thoughts,
And always getting along.

I remember next door neighbors,
And being best friends.

I remember Grandma's house,
And actually having fun.

I remember speaking out,
And having no fears.

I remember when our family was whole,
And I had no foul words.

I remember being home,
And it actually feeling like home.

But most of all...

I remember being happy.

You know, I don't think anyone ever plans on growing up. It's just one of those things that, when you turn around for just one second, tends to sneak up on you. Yesterday I was seven, today I'm sixteen, tomorrow I'll be twenty-five... It's a little scary to think about...

Catch 'ya later,

~Hisa-Ai~