Now and Then

I am playing in the sand; have my whole imaginary farm planned out.
This is a world where I live, a world that is unknown to passers by.
I’m sitting in the sand, my knees covered with dirt.
Not a care in the world; just my toys, the sand and I matters.

It is so pleasant looking back at a carefree time; before I started observing this life.
But, we can not remain children forever; life progresses through predetermined cycles.
Even so, we play games as adults too; the rules are just more complex.
Our games’ penalties are real and leave nothing to an imaginary world.

I am riding on my bicycle, on my way to the river.
I am going to hunt some monkeys, maybe catch a crocodile; if I am lucky see an eagle.
On my way there I will break some sugarcane, who needs sweets in anyway?
Going there is easy, all the way downhill; coming back is a problem we’ll solve later.

Now I am on my way to work; getting there through traffic is a big enough problem.
All the way there, the tasks and challenges of the day play through my mind.
When concern with that cease, I redirect my attention to the financial adversities I have.
No… the adult life is not easy; too many things to care for, relationships to maintain.

I am looking forward to this weekend; my best friend from school is sleeping over.
We will roam the farm, cause mischief all over, without a worry of getting caught.
What is a hiding in anyway; the pain lasts for a fraction of the time we enjoyed.
It is being grounded or forfeiting a week’s pocket money we fear most.

As an adult I am fortunate for the ability to live in any time I please.
I go on holiday to a different time, this life or a previous and relive the good.
I face the same concerns most do; I have a job preventing me from doing what I like.
I earn too little to buy the things I want; barely coping with what I need.

Yesterday is gone with only memories that remains; pleasant and not.
Tomorrow is an unknown, best handled today with planning and hope.
Today is real; it is now and we can affect tomorrow and heal yesterday’s wounds.
I love today even when it is not so good; it brings realization that I am alive.
By : Thys Groesbeek