As a boy I played
In the yard on summer days;
Laughter guided me.
Then dad said, “Time to grow up.”
I traded smiles for tears.
I would still smile,
But found it more difficult
After a while.
Clouds covered the grassy plains,
But I’d cry and clouds would fade.
Now I cry for fun;
It’s never a cloudy day
When I swim in tears.
Like a wave on the ocean,
Salt water cleanses black blood.