IOWA, 1982, THE CIRCLE

We lived on a circle (a little cul-de-sac) which had four houses on it, each directly facing the center. A circle of grass in the middle, lined by cement curb and containing a street lamp, served as a meeting place for the kids who lived there. Little factions formed, loosely. Boys against girls, older kids against younger kids, glamorous visiting cousins causing a shifting of alliances. On summer evenings, humid and hot with the sound of a train in the distance, we would play tag and catch fireflies. One by one, as the sun set, we would go home to dinners and baths and television carrying our little jealousies and affections with us; as delicate and hesitant as the fireflies we would release into the air from cupped hands.

Comments

[calvo]

the streetlights were always an indicator while I was growing up....when it was dark enough that the streetlights came on, it was time to go home.

we moved around a lot while I was growing up. I never really had a core group of neighbor kids to play with.

I envy stories like this.

[MD]

I used to think it was so boring that I stayed in the same little town from ages 1-18, but now I appreciate the small town vibe and innocence of it all.

Or maybe childhood always looks idyllic from this distance?

[Amy]

Beautifully written. I know just what you mean.

[prakruti]

very well written , lovely images of childhood. I liked other posts in your blog too.you write very well.thank u for sharing ur experiences.

[MD]

Thanks Amy and Prakruti, very sweet of you to say so. I must say, it really cheers me up on busy weeks like this :)