Take A Trip
‘Tis the season once again. Some say there’s magic in the air.
Well, our voyage is departing soon
Far from a day-to-day affair.
Close your eyes, now take a breath. As I grant you this one chance
Our waltz back through the hands of time
Will be a special sort of dance.
Short count to 3, then we’ll arrive. It might catch you by surprise.
Oh, for what you’ll find before you
Must be seen with softer eyes.
We’ve landed now. Your childhood home. It’s many years ago.
In these walls, the ones that shaped you
With all of life ahead to grow.
It’s Christmas Eve. The tree is up. And so is one young pair.
Both of your parents look so vibrant
Dad sports his thicker head of hair.
Mom scoots around with fervor. So much lighter on her feet
Years haven’t slowed her down just yet
As she bakes another treat.
You gasp and try to catch your breath. To see them look this way…
Have long forgotten them as youthful
Before all of life’s decay.
You rub your eyes. Compose yourself. Now moving down the hall
In the bedroom, you lie sleeping
Under posters on the wall.
Just so tiny in that blanket. Didn’t know it way back then
With a yawn, the child arises
And then grabs a favorite pen.
Your younger self begins to write. A list of gifts and toys?
But then you get a closer look
At your mind before the noise.
“I just want us to be happy.” Is all you see upon the pad.
These words, part of a long-lost blur
Before your armor had been clad.
Back down the hall, one final glimpse. Both parents in their room.
Must remember dad’s unwrinkled eyes
Breathe in mom’s go-to perfume.
They’ll never hear the words you shout: “Guys, these times will move so fast!
We all need to do it better,
None of this will ever last”
Clock ticking on our trip now, as you race back down the hall
To the child you were, so long ago
That’s when tears begin to fall.
After decades of the fight inside. New sensation in your heart.
There wasn’t something wrong with you
Not a single missing part.
Then, boom, your trip is over. Landing back in current life.
All the aches and pains returning too
Fifteen different types of strife.
You pass by a reflection. Sure, that face now has some flaws
The toll it costs to grow this age
Can’t get back time from Mr. Claus.
Still, something big has shifted. A child reignites inside.
Says, “Drink in more love.
And share your glass.”
This old dog’s spirit hasn’t died.
