Simpler Times

A poem about nostalgia

Image: Jordan Gonzalez via Unsplash+

I yearn for simpler times. 
When everything was smaller. 
Possibilities were endless, 
My parents were taller. 

I miss that feeling of wonder. 
Before I knew how bad it could be.
The comfort of innocence, 
like a warm, sweet cup of tea. 

I miss when I could catch, 
my favorite song on the radio. 
Like I’d won the lottery, 
If you know, you know. 

I miss that feeling, 
When we’d play outside. 
Finding a stick in the yard, 
that makes my eyes go wide. 

Kicking off an adventure, 
With me and my new staff. 
A wizard and his fellowship, 
with others to fight on my behalf. 

I miss that feeling after saving, 
my allowance for a new game. 
Remember Toys R Us? 
In that place, I had no shame. 

I miss when school projects, 
were somehow the scariest thought. 
Standing in front of the class, 
my stomach twisting into a knot. 

I miss the sound of dial-up. 
Back when the internet was young.
Now it’s like a hornet’s nest,
Just trying not to get stung. 

I miss the time before I knew, 
what heartbreak felt like. 
Before I’d become friends with grief. 
Back when it was just me and my bike. 

We’re not born with the capacity to hate. 
That’s something we’re taught. 
We all start this life the same, 
before our souls are sold and bought. 

So, why can’t we get back to that?
Where did everything go wrong? 
Can we just turn back the clock? 
Or are we not that strong? 

It’s not like the world was perfect, 
but that’s how I saw it with my eyes, 
Unclouded by all the noise, 
Not knowing how hope dies. 

I’m just so tired. 
Energy is fleeting. 
Time is limited. 
Rest feels like cheating. 

I think that’s why I’m a writer. 
To bring myself back to then.
Carving out a space in my mind, 
using just paper and pen. 

These days, I feel less alone.
Surrounded by all of you. 
Like simpler times have found me. 
And there’s nothing we can’t do. 

---

Thanks for Reading. Here’s Your Musical Pairing

Listen to this after reading, for a double-dose of nostalgia.