Echo of Childhood

Enjoying the peacefulness I sit on my porch listening. It’s been so long since I’ve heard the sounds of nature. Hummingbird wings whip and buzz – flitting in and out of my sphere. The breeze rustles the trees causing leaves to wave and dance. A low hum announces flying insects and the pesky fly infringing on my space.

The quiet of the day is broken by the sound of laughter. The distant voices of children penetrate across the way. Echoing through the trees I hear their merriment. Although the words are not distinguishable, the tones are. As I listen I hear the distinct measure of instruction - one child easily taking command of the day’s activity. When another child does not follow they are soon corrected to ensure things go according to plan. Still the obvious leader allows open debate and friendly dialog. A little give and take permits them to continue and meet the objective of the afternoons play.

It took me back to my own childhood remembering a time when we were at recess playing war. The boys were the warriors – the girls fare maidens to be captured as their prize. Of course each of us had our own preferred captor. Mine seized my heart and kept it through all my years in school. He was my hero and defender. Our lives and interest moved us in different directions as we grew older. Yet those memories stayed close for years to come.

Voices again draw my attention. Serious tones mingle again with laughter, hoops and hollers. Little do these children know they are practicing for the future. Some will become leaders – others followers. Soon adulthood will crowd out the innocence of childhood. The peaceable debates will grow into heated discussions. Their mild determinations will turn to impassioned unyielding purpose.

As I contemplate these thoughts, I wonder, what the world would be like if we approached the problems of our day with the simple manner which these children played? Time moves forward. Year after year we are losing more and more of our age of innocence. Manners, politeness, honesty and integrity are becoming a thing of the past. If only we could recapture the uncorrupted ideals of our youth.

I wonder, if one day these children will be able to sit and listen to the innocent echo of childhood.