crayons and skates

don't lose
the nonsense of youth.
don't
go dark
in old age, letting
go of
the jump
rope, the jacks, the chalk
on the sidewalk.
don't throw
away the glove
and ball,
the bat,
the bike, or skates.
don't lose
your youth in the grey
cage
of grown ups.
throw open the box
of
marbles and things
saved. that skull
and cross bone
ring,
that silver chain
with a key.
the crayons, that picture
of a loved one,
who shared
a first kiss.