I remember a day, long ago

When I climbed a grassy hill

As I made my way, the wind did blow

Not a blade of grass was still

On the top stood an old, gnarled tree

Branches reaching for the sky

With open arms so bold, he beckoned me

Come… let me teach you to fly

I climbed aboard a wooden swing

Beneath an out-stretched arm

In a cockpit made of wood and string

I felt shielded from all harm

My ship gained speed; my spirit soared

Like the many puffs of wind

Amid fragrant blooms and leaves, I roared

On an imagination without end

The world was at my feet

The ground went zooming fast

The setting sun I did meet

How quickly the day had passed

Tomorrow would be another day

But today, I said good-bye

As a feathered leaf blew my way

I thought I heard my friend sigh

Childhood ways; now are over

My youth, far spent

Days have grown colder

My body, a little bent

Yet today, I felt a blast of wind

A crispness in the air

Climbing up to see a friend

Wondering if he is there

On a path my feet know so well

Through daises and buttercups, I climb

Over the stumps of trees which fell

As do we all… with time

Cresting the top of the lonely hill

I pause… to look around

My heart is reassured and thrilled

A lost friend I have found

And beneath his arms, behold

Still swaying in the wind

With tattered ropes, my airship of old