The children come in packs.

Some with parents

Others without one in sight

And they swing

As my bones creak and strain

Just so they can play

Even for just a second longer

And I am happy

The children leave

My bars become colder

The seat cracking and freezing

Noises echoing

The days dark

The snow suffocating

The children had left

It rains

Great torrents of water

Gushing, screaming, burning

away the dirt and sin

From the earth

I drip on the ground

As my silent tears come

Because the children have left

And I am alone

The children return

Older, wiser, happier

New ones appear

Gripping the chains with white knuckles

Afraid of falling

My embrace cradles them

As they gain confidence

And go higher and higher

Touching the sky

Drunk on their freedom

And I am happy