Swing

While the kids played
On a slide streaked black by children's shoes
I rode the swing
For the first time in years.
The clouds swooshed by
Under the last gasp of a summer sun
Before a cold front roared through
With Autumn in her teeth.
It was a moment full of sugar
That instant of belly dropping thrill.
Rhythmically the ride swung
Forward and back through the sticky air
While my hair brushed the wood chips
And my eyelids enjoyed a solar caress.
Higher! I tell myself
As my legs pump the swing
To new heights while the ground falls away
Along with my maturity and reputation.
Children's laughter rolled through the playground
And some of it was mine.