Stuck in Time

when we were kids you loved getting this stuck

running slapdash across the shallow bay

sinking knee deep, toes squelching in the muck

"the mud monster's almost got me!" you'd say

then leaping out breaking those slimy chains

your heels hitting the sand triumphantly

the ancient swamp monster once more was slain

salty spray celebrating your vic'try

do you remember that feeling of mirth?

stuck again and again being freed

did you feel safe? legs buried in the earth

among the snails and clams and green sea weed?

do you ever wish you feet never left?

kept grounded, lest mind leave body bereft.