A Place Where
By: Steve Schultz
I want a place that adults told me about in my youth,
Where kindness is expected and goodness is truth.
A tree house surrounded by a backyard with a fence you can hop,
Neighbors who throw back the ball and don’t want your play to stop.
I want a school filled with paintings, not police.
A plate of food that leaves you full, not obese.
A table lined with unlimited chairs
With a family who at dinner still sits and shares.
I want a fort with walls made of sheets,
A morning where my dad still put on my cleats.
A society that doesn’t profit off the ignorant and the sick,
Playgrounds with chimes where no child is ever last pick.
I want a hug where you don’t have to let go,
A place where you can feel the sun through the snow.
A world where people show compassion, smile, and care,
Where you’re encouraged to achieve your dreams with a simple dare.
I want a place where people don’t ridicule, criticize, and demean,
A bike ride with your friends until the stars start to gleam.
A Christmas where you don’t have to visit two places to see your mom and your dad,
Where it’s okay to be vulnerable and loving and everyone wants you to be happy, not sad.
