Probably no one would choose to be
a child permanently. Peter Pan was a charming little boy and we all
loved and envied him. But Peter never knew the satisfaction of living
and experiencing each unfolding and progressive stage of life as normal
people do. There is a proper time for each stage of this life and the
time for childhood is when we're children. But sometimes ,sweet memory tip-toes upon us and
we find ourselves happily recalling those glorious
days of childhood. I realize, sadly, that not everyone had a happy
childhood. However, most of us can look back on those fleeting days
that were gone so soon, and lose ourselves for
for a little while in re-living those magical golden days with genuine
pleasure.
I had a wonderful childhood. How well I remember sunlit and
fun-filled days that seemed to never end. I remember hours of carefree
play, laughter and bright young voices calling and echoing in my mind. Games were simple and innocent...the
"good guys"always won and the "bad guys" always lost. Imaginations were colorful and
active and far more satisfying than store-bought playthings. Quarrels
were few and quickly settled . Even rainy days were good..nothing is
more fun than a splashing romp in a warm summer rain. Indoor
games took over as we listened to the singing rain and watched the
silvery showers fall.
And do you remember the twilight hour, just before time to go in for
"supper".? That reluctant releasing of the daylight play mixed with
hungry anticipation of a good sit-down meal at the family table?
And in summer, when nights were warm and clear and bright and fragrant
with night-blooming flowers , a million fireflies flickered off and on
in the soft darkness. Children could safely play outdoors
at night -time until it was almost bedtime.
Each generation will have it's memories of
childhood days. I am thankful for my own
childhood and for those many precious memories , nostalgic and
beautiful, where nothing ages or fades; where everything is ever-new ,
ever -fresh, ever-loved; treasures
to cherish and to occasionally share.
THE WRITINGS OF RUTH MARTIN