My Childhood Memories

Back and forth on the plastic blue swing seat
The sun slowly sets on the horizon of Thames River
I clutched the ropes wrapped around the durable branch
The bridge to my right, in distance, whistles with traffic

No siblings or pets so I found myself treading a line
The one where I step past the retaining block
Onto the sidewalk; I’d find my way to Brandy’s
We would play in the back of the bright red house

Mama and I would walk up the hill of Broad Street
Passing every home I would pick the leaves
Step on the falling petals, avoid the cracks
Near Monument Street fireworks flared from boats
While we watched from Fort Trumbull in July

Recess I would jump rope, play dodge ball and basketball
Anthony pegged me with the dodge ball
Stuart raced me to line up
Sarosh passed me the basketball
Cassie, Alyssa, and I took turns jumping

I stared at the Monument as it never moved
I never had the opportunity to climb its massive height
I was always at Mrs. Pam’s in the afternoon
Continued to play after my parents arrival

After those afternoons I wondered why I left
Why we had no other choice to leave
At first the intention did not make sense
Until the time was right for explanation
Until now; I was fortunate