When they were little they used to play in the woods.
Or in the backyard.
Sometimes they played at the playground, on the swings.
Now they play in the alleyways.

They used to play tag.
Or hide-and-go-seek.
Sometimes they built cities out of Legos.
Now they shoot craps.

They used to throw snowballs.
or shoot sling-shots.
Sometimes they'd have mud fights.
Now they have gang fights, and shoot guns.

They used to drink apple juice.
Or chocolate milk.
And sometimes they'd chew Hubba Bubba.
Now they drink liquor and chew tobacco.

They used to share Oreos.
Or bikes.
Sometimes they shared Atari games.
Now they share blunts, or even needles.

They used to chase the cat,
Or the cute little girls.
They used to chase after the ice cream truck too.
Now the police chase them.

They used to wear overalls.
Or corduroys.
Or even Oshkosh B'Gosh.
Now they wear bandannas.

They used to play with the dog,
Or feed the fish.
Once they tried to fix a bird's broken wing.
Yesterday they beat up a "'Spic."

They were kids once.
They still are. Aren't they?

by S. C., Leominster, MA