The Indoor Playground on a Cloudy Day

Crayon Panda in Cartersville, Georgia, inspired this poem and is the setting of the picture. Mothers will understand.









This isn't the space for work.

It's a time for magic,

plastic balls,

shiny things,

and trampolines.

The children's freedom to slide

into the ball pit,

while we adults just sit

may be worth a weekend of therapy.

In the center of this colorfully controlled chaos,

we practice peace,

set to toddler's drum beats,

sock-covered feet thumping against

padded floors.

There is more at play here

than 5-year-olds' imaginations.

There is the grace of brighter dreams.