Kids at Play

By Jim Hagarty
2012
When I walk each morning I go past a home’s front lawn that is littered with kid debris – bikes, trikes, skateboards, plastic guns, etc. At first, I was semi-annoyed, wondering why these people couldn’t put their stuff away at night. Then I was alarmed, worrying that all these things would get stolen before morning. Now, having walked by a few times when the kids have all been out using their toys, I am content. In fact, I think there should be a sign there: Caution: Children Enjoying Their Childhood. Too soon, as the years go by, gun by bike by trike by skateboard will disappear until the lawn is clear and well kept. The place will look good, but a little bit of joy will be gone. I miss the kiddie pool and the swing set and the sandbox and the guns and the sidewalk chalk drawings and skipping ropes at our place. The lawns never looked better, though.

Author: Jim Hagarty

I am a 72-year-old retired journalist, busy recovering from a lifelong career as an unretired journalist. This year marks a half century of my scratching out little fables about life. My interests include genealogy, humour and music. I live in a little blue shack in Canada and spend most of my time trying to stay out of trouble. I am not that good at it. I also spent years teaching journalism. Poor state of journalism today: My fault. I have a family I don't deserve, a dog that adores me, and two cars the junk yard refuses to accept. My prized possessions include my old guitar and a razor my Dad gave me when I was 14 and which I still use when I bother to shave. Oh, and my great-great-grandfather's blackthorn stick he brought from Ireland in the 1850s. I have only one opinion but it is a good one: People take too many showers.