Simplicity

The Child in All of Us

Christmas time always brings back memories for me of growing up on the ranch, wandering the hills and fields, exploring the creek and river, watching the snow fall…..and fall…..and fall. Life seemed so simple then. I recently visited that area where I grew up and realized that while I’ve changed a lot, it really hasn’t. Those memories are frozen in time. The photo is of that ranch that was my home for my first 18 years near Wolf Creek, Montana. It’s fun to remember that life and the joy of growing up simple.

Red Rover in a grassy field,
running, laughing, falling.
Riding in the pickup bed,
hair tangling wildly in the wind.
Climbing up the rocky top
just for the view of the river.
Wading through the creek
scooping up tadpoles and minnows.
Blanket fort with a good book,
postponing chores till the last second.
Where did the simple days go,
carefree and unadulterated?
No comprehension of troubles or wars,
only peace and joy and freedom.
Hold onto that inner child
who still owns innocence and hope,
who still runs through grassy fields,
embracing simple days and freedom.  
For in growing up we let them go
and lose something of ourselves.
That child awaits in all of us.