Shadows lengthen
darkness slowly drips
onto a silent playground

Where swing seats swirl
in empty circles
pleading
to be remembered
while the carousel
rocks in loneliness
softly squeaking
as if to ask why

The slide has dulled
to corroded gray
it's polished ripples
disused and forgotten
A rusting jungle gym
stings with cold
sadly longing
for hands to warm it

But there are no
eager hands to hold
no bright eyes
gleam with excitement
Giggles and laughter
have long since faded
along with the summer breeze

Aged and lonely
she looks upon
a quiet colorless memory
While a frigid wind bites
at her quivering lips
her tears beg the shadows
to tell

Where have my children gone?