There is much to be said for the making of lines.
I number the spaces, a canopy on top;
chalk is brave.
The stone I saved for too many years
slides from my pocket; warm
on my thigh.
Before I toss it I expect socks to fall,
another skinned knee, someone to call me in
for supper.
I take chances; hopscotch one foot, then the other,
knowing there's no turning back, until I land on both
feet,
unscathed.
Like the playfulness of the poem..and 'taking chances'.
ReplyDeleteHopscotch, like Jacks & marbles, constitute hours of our childhood; play before the advent of electronic constant complex stimulation; a lovely jump onto the pollywog of preadolescence.
ReplyDeletememories of my childhood when my knees were constantly battered and bruised!!
ReplyDeleteI really like this one there's something to be said for memories and poetry. I like the parallel you drew with chalk landing on both feet at the end. Bravo!
ReplyDelete"R A D Stainforth makes my simple words beautiful." Not taking a thing away from R A D, your words were beautiful - as written!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. B ...
DeleteLoved the poem.. sure those stones would make it tempting to hopscotch... or maybe that OCD...?
ReplyDeleteStep on a crack you ...
DeleteYour take on the photo is so beautiful! I like it that you carry such a lovely childhood memory into adulthood.
ReplyDeleteIt somehow makes me of this quote: We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. (George Bernard Shaw)
Thanks for this poem.
Take care and keep smiling.
Thanks for the great quote... posted it to my Facebook timeline ...
DeleteI love the childhood experience seen through an adult's perspective. I do mean that as a compliment. An adult sees, remembers what we, the child took for granted.
ReplyDeleteI remember playing this game..making boxes with brightly colored chalk on the sidewalk..always like to read your poetry and of course enjoy the readings as they bring them to life.
ReplyDeleteI can see how the cobbles could remind you of the hopscotch game. Clever!
ReplyDeletean amazing take on the prompt...
ReplyDeleteTaking chances is a good thing. Only then one is sure of having tried and achieved somthing! Nicely Tess!
ReplyDeleteHank
Your words always create worlds, as you have done here, linking the past to present and hoped for future. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen...nice to see you again!
DeleteFour square is what would take me back, I think. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the hopscotch idea ... a clever piece of writing of childhood days.
ReplyDeleteOnce a hopscotcher, always a hopscotcher. We carry it forever.
ReplyDeleteIt's your perseverance that always wins..just perfect in my eyes!
ReplyDeleteSo brave :o)
ReplyDeleteTess, your poem is beautiful ... brings to mind all of the scuffed knees I suffered playing hop scotch ~ and double dutch! As always, Mr. Stainforth is amazing.
ReplyDeleteHe really is...
Deletewonderful where this image took you! and your poem took me back to those very same days.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful first line, Tess! Leads us merrily into the piece!
ReplyDeletethat last stanza gave me chills...always a treat to read a poem or yours, miss tess!
ReplyDeletestacy lynn mar
http://warningthestars.blogspot.com/
Couldn't be a better poem as special interpretation of this image and its mysterious harkening. Loved and related to it, Tess.
ReplyDeleteI also reallyreally like R.A.D.'s beard!
It suits him...I hope he keeps it...
DeleteGood thing you saved that stone . . . Fun!
ReplyDelete