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Pity They Missed It, by Alyce Clark

1/4/2022

5 Comments

 
I watch the children play.
And they watch their phones-
glance at their watches.

I see them grow and learn.
They see tomorrow’s to-do list-
missing today’s glory.

I referee the games.
They sit in the stands-
not involved, not present.

I hear the kids laughing.
They’re deaf to those giggles-
that will soon be outgrown.

I know these moments are fleeting.
They know schedules and playdates-
forgetting childhood ends quickly.

5 Comments
Sue Clayton
2/4/2022 01:54:47 am

Today's children do seem to miss out on the joyful play of days gone by.

Reply
Martha J
2/4/2022 03:42:38 am

I truly enjoyed reading this Alyce. Parents may attend activities with their children, but they're also calculating their schedule for tomorrow. Or, instead of enjoying the tenderness of a child's laughter, a parent may listen for the next text message on their cell phone. Sometimes a "referee" can see or hear what parents ignore.

Reply
Jim Bartlett link
2/4/2022 03:48:41 pm

Love the line - They’re deaf to those giggles - that will soon be outgrown.
So very, very true
Nicely done
Jim

Reply
Cassie Davis
5/4/2022 01:52:01 am

WOW!!!You took the picture to another level.It was definitely covering the new age re.parents and children.Thumbs up Lisa!!!

Reply
Alyce Clark
5/4/2022 03:33:31 am

Thanks, everyone! 😊

Reply



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    Poetry

    This is the section where fiction prose becomes something else. We still expect the poems to be short, though – sonnets, perhaps, or around that length at the very most.

    Poems submitted should be
    no longer than 160 words
    and contain
    no more than 16 lines.

    100 words remains the approximate target.

    Please submit using the Poetry Submissions Page.


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