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SECOND CHILDHOOD. 8\03\02
We were two older couples with our grand-kids at the beach
The children playing safely in the shallows within reach.
Running short on conversation, tired of sitting keeping watch,
We marked out squares, we chose our stone, we played hopscotch.
Training in agility for Roman troops in Britain started it.
Their children copied dad, cut down the pitch, made rules to fit.
The game spread to the continent, from there conquered the world…and
Came to reach its greatest heights on our firm strip of sand.
We wrinklies playing kid’s games were quite obviously senile
If one judged by those auditors whose supercilious smile
Said it all. Though, truth-to-tell, they wished that they could play
But decorum, that stern gaoler, gave them no parole that day.
Chalk lines on a garden path, a sand-filled Nugget tin
Once gave them hours of pleasure that adult life can’t begin…to match.
As captives of what some might think they’ve lost more than they’ve won.
Gazing through bars of propriety while we’re out having fun.
***************************** Richard