"I Spy With My Dragon Eye"

I wish I understood, still
the magic of a cape;
burning energy foolishly for it's sake.
I wish I could wonder, again
why 'G' sometimes sounds like 'J';
why 'W' shouldn't be called 'double V.'

I wish I could relate, still
to the simple equation: A is for Apple.
I wish I could use, again
imaginary bullets.
"Bang!"
To know still, I wish
the freedom of jungle animals
and fresh, new coloring books;
to know the triumph in,
"No homework."

I wish I could play, still
in the tub until I was pruned.
I wish I understood, still
the taunting choice between
Lucky Charms or Cap'n Crunch.

I wish I understood, still
what it was like not to doubt;
mom and dad where the "know all" authority.
I wish, still
there was a bed I could sneak to
in the nighttime.
I wish I could still say, "Daddy."

I wish a small bag of Doritos lasted, still several days.

I wish I knew, still
how to have everything at my fingertips and be
bored.
I wish I experienced, still
taking a three month "holiday" every year.
I wish I remember
having my own room.

I wish I remember, still
when quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies
were all worth "1 monies."

I wish yellow was still "lellow."

Oh, I've been there
but I wish I understood, still you.
I wish I could still..."spy with my dragon eye."

I can't sreech like a dinosaur,
anymore.

Maybe I have twenty-seven years on you,
but you, still
have the world on me.

To London
March 21, 2006