Magical Elves

lately my mind wanders down memory lane.
i fondly remember playing from dawn to dusk.
my smile is bittersweet as i recall the ones who never got to grow up.
i carry their memories like a precious rare gem.
i hoard all the moments i had with them.
their love goes on even though they don't.

sweeter was the ice cream in the summer.
the sun shined brighter and the nights were darker.
i got in a hurry to grow up and i can't remember why.
i thought i was missing something as a teenager,
but now i kick myself for not taking the time to just be a kid.

i can't reverse the forward march of time.
but i can't help myself to dream of lightning bugs and hugs.
is it because i'm lonely now?
or maybe my responsibilities are wearing me down?
i used to think being an adult meant doing whatever i wanted.
now i laugh at my ignorant youthful self.
i have a chore list so long it never is done.

i watch my daughter struggle against growing up.
she is 20 now.
i tell her that the time has come to give up childish things.
she clings to her youthful ways like life raft.
i remind her at her age i had a 2 year old.
my daughter is well aware that there are no magical elves to clean up after you.

i don't push her to hard.
i am jealous of her.
i wish i had taken more time to have fun.
i was arrogant in my youth.
i thought it would last forever.
so i'll let her hang on to her's just a little longer.