When you were four, or five, or six,
Before life played its grown-up tricks,
You learned a thing or two each day
That years of fuss can tuck away.
You poked a seed beneath the ground
And wondered what that speck had found.
Then up it popped! A leaf! A stem!
The world was starting fresh again.
The flowers faded; cold winds blew.
Then spring arrived, and something grew.
Those little gardens seemed to say,
“Life finds another lovely way.”
You shared your crayons, red, and blue,
And left some green for others, too.
You passed the paints and took your turn,
With more than ABCs to learn.
You put your toys back on the shelf.
You cleaned the mess you made yourself.
And when your skipping squashed some toes,
“Oops! Sorry!” helped to soften woes.
Then lunch was done. You found your spot
And gave the day’s adventures not
Another thought. Your blanket knew
A little rest was good for you.
A graham cracker, milk to sip—
No fancy feast, no fancy trip.
Just simple pleasures filled your day;
Who taught us joy must cost more pay?
Outside, you held a friendly hand,
For streets were bigger than you’d planned.
You looked both ways and helped a chum
Step off the curb when cars were done.
Now picture bringing back that grace
To meet your life in this grown place.
What if the child you used to be
Still holds a helpful little key?
Remember feeling you belonged,
Could be forgiven when you’d wronged,
And had a place beneath the sun
Without proving a thing to anyone.
Then share a little. Speak with care.
There’s more than one good chair to spare.
Own what you do; let kindness show.
You needn’t win each row you hoe.
And take that nap! The world can wait
While you set down its noisy freight.
A rested you may find some room
For laughter where there once was gloom.
Some days have bumps too big to skip;
You’ll need a hand to firm your grip.
Reach out—and offer yours as well.
Together, we’ll have tales to tell.
I dare you: let one hour be
Moments to like your company.
Be kind to you. Let joy shine through.
Just sixty minutes. I double dare you!
Share Your Thoughts:
What do you think are life’s greatest achievements? What bumps have you experienced and how did you overcome them?
