Childhood

Childhood : When did my childhood go?

Was it the day I ceased to be eleven.

Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,

Could not be found in Geography,

And therefore could not be,

Was that the day!



When did my childhood go?

Was it the time I realised that adults were not

All they seemed to be,

They talked of love and preached of love,

But did not act so lovingly,

Was that the day!



When did my childhood go?

Was it when I found my mind was really mine,

To use whichever way I choose,

Producing thoughts that were not those of other people

But my own and mine alone

Was that the day!



Where did my childhood go?

It went to some forgotten place,

That is hidden in an infant’s face,

That’s all I know.


BY MARKUS NATTEN
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Childhood
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