Play

I look at children

and say,

Play.

Play the day away.

Play and feel so certain

Of your life.

For life is wonder.

And magic.

And never ending glory.

So play the day away.

I look at young people

And say

Play.

Play your way today.

Play and be so sure

Of what you want, and are,

And surely will become.

For this is your day.

Play.

And be yourself today.

I look at less young people

And say.

Play.

Your children are your play.

And they

Some day

Perhaps

Will take your place in play.

So live!

In them your joy relay.

I look at older people

And see myself

At play.

Or not.

Or holding to the grey day

And gentle sway

Of noisesome fainting, under way,

My frame, to me, abject dismay,

Beneath my feet, less flesh, more clay.

And to the end there comes decay.

And once more.

From the advantage of extended day

I say.

I look at children

And say

From my perch at end of day

You've got it right! Hurrah, hurray! Kallee, kallay!

Play.

Play the day away.

Take my hand

And lead the way.

I look at children,

And say,

Play.