I grew myself up (childhood part 2)

When I was younger
I was happy for no reason.
But now
It's now like
I need an excuse
Or a reason
To be happy.

There was a time when merely existing in the yard was a pleasure.

Not long ago

Being outside meant soccer games against invisible opponents

And somehow enduring the black trampoline heat for hours on end.

Now it means business.

To leave your house is to go to work

To run an errand

or to work on the yard.

Before, sweat used to mean fun.

It was running so hard

Jumping so high

Exploring the depths of neighborhood

For so long that the lack of water in my throat

Could only be explained by it appearing on my face.

Now, sweat means work.

That broken pipe ain't gonna fix itself and,

Quite frankly,

I ain't got no money to pay another guy to fix it for me.

So out the door I go

Not to wield plastic knives and laser guns

To kill my friends and unseen enemies

But to earn my bread by the sweat of my brow, so they say.

Like Adam's unwilling dismissal from the garden,

I grew myself up.