15 Winters Ago

Sun kissed skin.
Dirt covered feet.
Unruly blonde hair.
Missing baby teeth.

Those are things I remember
When I was at the age of five.
I was so full of life back then
untouched and ready to strive.

I was outside until night came
playing with my kitchen set.
No one could pry me away
even when the rain got me wet.

I loved to get hugs from people
to feel their warm embrace.
Especially from my family
they can never be replaced.

I would swim every summer
until my toes looked like prunes.
I hated when those days flew by
the season always ended too soon.

I wanted to become a doctor
so I can take 'boo boos' away.
I didn't like seeing people hurt
that ambition still thrives today.

I remember roasting marsh mellows
over a bon fire on a cold night.
I would be snuggled in a warm jacket
my sleepiness I would always fight.

My mom wiped my tears.
My dad taught me along the way.
My brother and I were inseparable.
We would always romp and play.

I was easy to please.
I always smiled.
I had no fears.
My dreams ran wild.

Those were the days.
That I'll always remember.
Yet, the memories fade more
every 14th of December.