toy boats and moon-rocks

toy boats sail in the calm streams that run along sidewalks,
rushing past houses, racing buccaneers with play swords.
imaginary sailors working hard to man the decks,
keeping watch for pirate sails.

cardboard spaceships dragged across lawns,
soaring to unnamed planets in far away worlds.
passing stars and black holes,
finding adventure under every backyard moon-rock.

cavernous caves made of purple and blue fabrics
convert living rooms into hidden forts.
you can't hear the giggles as you count to ten.
ready or not, here I come.

spinning in circles, full tilt, until daylight fades,
falling breathless on soft, sweet grass.
laughing together, dizzy, in the dying light
wishing upon stars with all your might.

run oh so fast when tiny hands tug pant-legs,
little voices laughing gaily:

tag, you're it!