Recess

Passing by a school today,
The kids were all outside.
Running up and down they seemed
Like youth personified.

The street was blocked from traffic,
So they were free to race,
And bounce and squeal and prance around
And give each other chase.

At what age, I did wonder,
Does recess cease to be?
Grown-ups need to frolic, too –
You cannot disagree.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful
If every day, a cop
Patrolled the town and then announced,
”All work will have to stop!”

Everyone must go outdoors
And trot or jump or skip.
No cigarettes or coffee break:
A back-to-youth-time trip.

No bullying would be allowed,
Just letting off some steam.
I know it’s so impractical,
But I can always dream.

So next time when you catch some kids
At recess, close your eyes.
Imagine all your colleagues there
And then just fantasize.

Picture them as they cavort
And laugh or smirk or smile.
The world would be a better place
With recess, urban-style!