Oh childhood, where did you go?
We sped up the process, thinking that's how you'd grow.
Gave up fort building and climbing trees.
To avoid muddy hands and skinned-up knees.
Enrolled you in things you were expected to do.
Not stopping to realize it was for us more than you.
Remind me--giving up daydreams was better for who?
When did we quit dreaming, to notice or care?
Stop looking at stars or remembering they're there?
We put you on buses and shipped you away.
To preschools and programs and preceptors for pay.
Who said the experts know better than us, any way?
You were made for summers that go on forever.
Getting lost in good books in inclement weather.
Making up stories and writing new songs.
Until long past your bedtime and the porch light comes on.
No need to rush childhood; it goes by too fast.
What you need is the time to make it all last.
You belong out in nature, staring up at the sky.
Blowing dandelion puffs and watching them fly.
Turning clouds into shapes that you want them to be.
Fending off dragons if that's what you see.
If only there were a way to be wild + free.
We read the great books but ignore their wisdom.
Go our own way instead of trusting what's in them.
Childhood is a treasure, a gift to behold.
I'm sorry to say you've been traded and sold.
Oh childhood, where did you go?
Oh childhood, say it ain't so.
We'll bring you back home if it's the last thing we do.
We'll reclaim the wonder; that's my promise to you.
-Ainsley Arment Call of the Wild + Free