These Are My JOTtings...

What Childlike Joy in All of This!

The days of childhood knew their bliss.
I ran and played our football game.
The love of parents and their kiss
was day in, day out all the same.
My favorite months with their displays.
The Christmas season lights out came
and music throughout festive days.
What childlike Joy in Holy Name!

The days of childhood were so light
All time was focused on one aim.
'Twas sweet to taste! 'Twas hope so bright!
How wondrous! Heart of dancing flame!
The big folks kept our lives quite safe.
We thought not of some daily shame,
with food and sleep we're not unsafe.
What childlike Joy in Holy Name!

The days of childhood long ago.
Their mem'ries seem to hold such blame
for Joys were visible, I know,
but hidden wounds make walking lame.
What ease there is to cast a curse
at bullies and each harming claim!
My days were Joy, but some were worse!
What childlike Joy in Holy Name!

An older man in childhood grey
could focus on my fears to tame,
And show my wounds in full display,
But how would that bring blest acclaim?
No,...older man with childlike heart
and ready pen would dare reclaim
the wounds of past in novel start!
What childlike Joy in Holy Name!

The childhood days still know their grace.
The youthful mind still plays at game.
The love of parents,...lasting place,
thought now in heaven,...still the same.
The Christmas season brings me Joy,
though "Much is diff'rent!" I'd proclaim.
The music, lights I still employ...
What childlike Joy in Holy Name!

by Jay O'Toole
on September 30th, 2017