A Restless Dream

Once upon a time,

in a land far away, kids

slept more than five hours a night. Kids

had more than a cup of coffee for breakfast. Kids

hung out with their friends after school.

Once upon a time,

kids had time.

Kids had time to be kids.

Once upon a time,

sleeping meant dreaming.

But now kids don’t have time for either.

Once upon a time parents were telling the truth when they said “I understand. I was a kid once.”

But the time is now, and you weren’t a kid once upon this time.

Once upon a time, I understood you were a kid once, but just because you were a kid once doesn’t mean

you understand. Do you

understand that. You were a kid.

Once upon a time I was a kid,

and I dreamed of the time I wouldn’t be.

Now I’m not,

and I wish I was.