Upon Childhood Poem by Mahfooz Ali

I remember days
When light flickered the world a new
And the earth extended her arms
With acceptance.

There were times
When rain splattered upon transparent glass
With my face pressed against it
Trying to reach nature
Captured helplessly in water.

I remember when every sun was an adventure
And each peaceful moon slept
Upon childhood dreams.

There were times
When rage flowed into reality,
While running into worlds of ignorance
Formed in wispy ideas of fantasy.

I remember when towering mountains were flat
And the world was a vast country
Tranquil and simplistic.

Those were times
When pain and depressed hearts were shrouded in smiles
But upon the final days of childhood
from where I stand
The planet shattered,
Revealing sorrow.