when boys meant yuck and friends were new, dreams were unshattered and worries few.

when recess was too short and life too long, decisions came easy without the need to belong.

when storks delivered babies and passions weren’t too strong, friendships were not broken, wrong was wrong

when bad things didn’t happen, when only skinned knees brought tears, and the night lights in their sockets quieted our fears.

when death wasn’t reality, truth was the truth and life was simple never confusing.

when betrayal was only read about in romance novels and our weekends were filled with dates.

when everyone got along, families stayed together and a kiss wasn’t just a kiss.

when cheating was thought of, and school was as easy as learning our ABC’s.

when commitment meant more than tomorrow and wishes always came true, strength didn’t matter.

when looks didn’t matter, and suicide was a sin, life meant joy and death was death.

when he said he would call and did, when happiness flowed through bloodstreams and thinking wasn’t heard of.

when being jealous was silly and when morning came the love was still there and you never spent a night alone.

when things made sense, jokes were funny and you had not a care in the world.

when farewell meant just for the summer and real friends didn’t part, the fun went on forever and never left with a broken heart.