There was great alarm when I realized

That 3-foot-tall kids are now organized!

Never thought I’d see the day

That rulebooks dictate children’s play.

Treehouses gave way to modern sports

With well-groomed fields and shiny courts.

Their uniforms require a sponsorship

Formalities a normal kid would skip.

Regimented children now pay their fee

And a coach is assigned to oversee.

Now that our youth are so organized

Spontaneous play is compromised.

Fewer kids run freely outdoors

Playing hide and seek or tug-of-wars.

It was a mere two generations ago

They played in grass, leaves or snow.

They created their own simple rules

Making their gear from discarded tools.

Imaginary victor, King of Bunker Hill

Sardine hunt was the nighttime thrill.

Marco Polo and Red Rover intrigue

Gave way to T-ball in a pre-school league.

Squeals of delight now seldom found

On adult-neutered, former playground.

No more practice against barnyard walls

Teams now slow-pitch, then learn fastballs.

Imagination’s lost with charted route

Forgetting what creativity is all about.

Like shooting hoops and playing Red Rover

Or thrill of finding a real 4-leaf clover.

For freedom sake, our youth must dream

Real self-expression requires no team.

Fund-raisers and trophies in their way

Belonging? Heck, they just want to play.

Don Aslett of McCammon is the founder of The Museum of Clean, 711 S. 2nd Ave., Pocatello, and still enjoys giving tours to all visitors. Check out the museum’s website at www.museumofclean.com.