Childhood Ode

Childhood, aged 3

My childhood has sparkling eyes and curly dark hair. She likes climbing up the apple trees for green, firm fruits. She eats mild peppers straight from the garden, no need to wash them in the kitchen sink. My childhood takes afternoon naps in the hay stack up on the hill and knows how to milk a cow.

My childhood is a future vet. And a figure skating champ. And a singer. My childhood dresses up in mother’s nightgown, improvises a stage from the kitchen stools, puts on mascara and  conquers the world.

My childhood is naughty and funny and merry. She laughs and plays all day long.

My childhood wears red patent leather shoes and white silk dresses.

My childhood smells like bananas and fruit chewing gum and butter and toast and rose essence.

I take back my childhood. Never wanted to be a grown up, in the first place.