Since the early days of my life, swinging has been a part of me.
From my very first baby swing in our living-room, to the swing-set currently at my parents' house, my swings have always been like silent friends to me.
Someone said that I even take on a different look when I swing. This person said that my face goes from serious and adult, to carefree and child-like in seconds.
My swings have been the birthplace of many of my songs, poems, and other writings. For me, swinging is the equivalent of the Sunday drive, a ride through the country, or a short vacation.
It is a time to pray, reflect, plan, and free the imagination.
The following poem describes my feelings about this passtime. It tells the many things a swing can "become" when inspired by one's imagination. This poem is dedicated to all my friends who enjoy swinging, to my loving parents, who allowed and encouraged me to swing, and, most of all, to the creator of that spark within Mankind, known as imagination.
Is anyone too old to swing?
Yes, if you are also too old to:
Gaze at a sunset,
enjoy a work of fine art,
recognize your favorite song,
partake of an ice-cream cone,
smell a rose,
stroke a kitten,
Hear the crunch of leaves beneath your feet,
throw a snowball,
Look at a rainbow,
Smell rain,
Pick flowers,
Say, "I love you,",
or, take your next breath!
If you are too old for all of the above mentioned activities, then, you are in fact, too old for swings.
However, if you find that you are able to do even one of these activities, then, I suggest that you find the nearest swing, and blast off into a universe of fun, and life magic.
If swinging is really not your cup of tea, find the thing that is your own source of innocence and pleasure.
Find the "magic" in your own life, and enjoy it to it's fullest.
Remember that, only as we preserve our sense of child-like wonder, will we preserve our sanity as adults.
Why not let the "magic" of childhood add spice to the maturity of adult life today?
And, as for any children that read this, I have but one thing to say to you.
Keep on showing the grown-ups what they're missing!
Oh, how i love going up in my swing,
for a swing-set can be, such a wonderful thing!
A swing is a spaceship, that can soar to the stars,
or a ship to take you across the sea,
away from where you are.
A swing is a battle field,
to fight with your sword,
or, simply a fun place,
to go when you're bored.
A swing is a pair of wings,
to go flying around,
or, simply a way,
to get up, when you're down.
My swing is an airplain,
when i'm Captain Ray Steele,
or, a quiet place, where I,
can reflect on what i feel.
Oh, Father, please, help the poor grownups,
who see only swings,
and are blind to the wonderful,
magical things.
for, I find my way back,
wherever I rome,
The love of the Father, my family, and friends,
is the silver thread,
that draws me home.