the boys and girls

the boys
and girls, jump roping,
playing
on the street,
singing,
and running like bees
without a hive
to settle in,
are wild with unbridled
energy
trying to beat
a setting sun, or a
mother calling them in.
you understand and applaud
with your heart, for
even us, now,
at this age,
we are trying to hold
back the night.