On a Swing Long Ago

Backwards down you come;
below your happy eyes
the deep green grass
of summer
rushing fast along the ground.

You lean forward
as far as you dare;
knobby knees bent
legs tucked close under the seat
waiting...

Then with perfect timing
your feet kick straight out;
slender hands tugging the chains;
leaning way, way back.

Circling up,
your laughter spreads
across our little neighborhood;
carried by gentle childhood winds
far off into skies of wondrous blue.

Next poem: Wedding Prayer

Author: Jerry Dan Deutschendorf
from: Red Earth Whisperings
Part III: Family and Friends