When I was young

When I was young

I’d stare at the sun rays crashing into the kitchen mug

In bed I’d stay just to keep my feet all snug

I’d prance in a flare protesting fragile resemblance to my dolls’ porcelain skin

A girl carefree as the word had ever been

When I was young

I’d hold my family like an hourglass in motion with the sands

The memories coupled in the smallest of hands

I’d shout to the winds to gently nudge at me

To throw my body swiftly for the world to see

When I was young

I’d plead with the ants to create their voetjie voetjie gestures

My grandfather was an old man but Peterpan in stature

The edges of a hammer seemed significant and powerful

Distorting nature while carving something just as beautiful

When I was young

Numbers and symbols became  one musical note

Summer showers always made it in time for my flowery coat

My words were flimsy with a heart that was wild

I germinate in her spirit as a grown-up child.