Ode to Rubber Ducks

Honestly, sometimes, I wish I could be a kid again. No responsibilities, no worries, no panic over the future. I missed when my biggest concern was whether or not I was going to get the toy I really wanted for my birthday. Sometimes, I really want to unpack all the childish toys I packed away because I didn't want to get rid of them so I'm keeping them for when I have kids.

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Yellow body, orange beak

You float on water

As our dreams on clouds

Splash!

You bob and nod

Encouraging us to hit the water again

You're always smiling,

Pleasant and happy

No matter how long

We may hold you under

But as we grow older

Your smile no longer

Encourages up to hit the water and make you bob

Or dares up to try to make you stay under

Just like the rest

Of our childhood companions

You get packed away,

Stuffed in a box,

Put on a shelf.

Now that box sits,

Lonely and dust-covered.

yet you keep on your smile,

Thinking towards the day

We'll open your box

And once more,

Return your smile.

Oh little, yellow rubber duck

With the orange beak,

Just hold on, keep that smile

Stay pure and whole and lovely,

Just like a child's dreams.