When I was young the lilac fragrance exploded
into the air for two weeks every spring while
the purple blooms on every branch were overloaded
as the daytime sun danced on the lake, making me smile.

When I was young, we gathered for the family meal
precisely at six p.m. Sitting tall with hands washed,
heads bent ready to bless the meal with not one squeal
we knew that mom, busy as a bee, simply noshed.

When I was young we seldom sat idle and foolishly prattled
'twas chores done first, books cracked next, bedtime vespers
said with gladness of heart for the just past day. Rattled,
not one whit, off into sleep we'd go, listening for angel whispers.

When I was young life seemed much less hectic, more simple
Neighborhoods were secure, playgrounds safe, subways securer
Two houses down, a young sweet lass smiled showing a dimple.
I smiled back with a friendly nod hoping ... just to reassure her,

When I was young ... she was young too.