GROWING UP AND DOWN

It may take all spring
this growing up and down
childhood rarely
shares its first appearance
or barters for warmth
in winter's breath
a day dream commences
to witness its pleasure
or make way
for its clearance
at a round trip morning
at a playground of leisure
planted by gardens
under shadowy cirrus
flashes in rain clouds
children standing by evergreen
and wanting no pardon
amid the presence
of a single crocus
and a chorus of song birds
wishing on no one to witness
us over by the county creeks
everyone hides from the flood
or merely takes a peek
along the riverbeds
discovering how to praise
a bruised adolescence.