play like you’ve never played before

When I was a little boy, in elementary school, we used to have a pretty big playground. On one side, we had a vast, sprawling soccer field, and on the other end, we had a pair of quite large basketball courts. In between the two, there was the typical swing set, a jungle gym, and the lonely see-saw that no one ever played with. In our grade’s recess, the boys always played a game of soccer, while the girls would sit in circles all along the basketball court, and just talk. At least, I think they talked. I’m not quite sure, I suppose. The swings and such were more of a background for us, and never actually provided a serious distraction for any of us. I don’t think I ever saw the see saw occupied with more than one kid - just one, always. Lonely, and jumping up and down, repeatedly.

I liked the swing though, from time to time. My mom always told me that when I was a baby, and they put me in the baby swings, that were more like baskets, I would start crying and hold the handles of the swing, to stop from moving. I guess I grew out of that, when I grew up. Occupying my time wandering between the basketball courts, and soccer fields, I never really had a side of the playground I stayed at. I was a wanderer, at age 7, I suppose.

Our recess would have its occasional story, though. Cody and Clarissa got married once, and being the only pastor available during recess, I was the one that married them. The sad fact, was that I had been crushing on her for awhile.

I should have stayed at the see-saw that day.