What Good Is Sun If I Can't Run?

I love this poem that I recently discovered in the most unexpected place. A local museum had a free admission day as a promotional event. We took advantage of this free day. In the art gallery was a sitting area with a few toys and books provided for children. I spent some time there with my toddler. He liked the wooden toy train. I picked up a picture book and paged through it. Turns out that it was a book of poems by Gwendolyn Brooks. I had never heard of her before. I read a few poems. This one struck a cord with me. I relate so strongly with the girl: Paulette, I assume. I love to run. I love to climb trees. I feel societal pressure to give up these activities around self respecting adults. Mostly, I conform but there are times when I break into a run and I don't care who's watching. "What Good is sun if I can't run?"

 Paulette

By Gwendolyn Brooks

What good is sun 
If I can't run?

"You're eight, and ready 
To be a lady."

That is what my Mama says. 
She is right again, I guess.

But there! I saw a squirrel fly 
Where it is secret, green, and high 

And there! Those ants are bustling brown,
And I require to chase them down!

What good is sun 
If I can't run?

Ever since reading this poem it has stuck with me and I recite it to myself. Actually, just the first half because I haven't committed to memory the whole thing yet. 

This poem inspired me the paint a picture. My children love to climb trees. One day I took a picture of my little girl in a tree in order to be the subject for my painting. Yesterday, I pulled my watercolors out and did this picture.

Don't forget to have fun. This is a reminder to have some simple joys like you did as a child. Stay young at heart!