I went for a run on Saturday past homes I love to imagine are mine to a soft dirt path that circles a golf course. Just before the course there is a street that ends in a roadblock, except for a sidewalk that allows foot traffic through to a cul-de-sac on the other side.
As I approached I could hear children playing a game of kick ball in the cul-de-sac. I was running around it when six more children burst onto the street. The girls wore dresses, stockings and black Mary Janes. The boys wore suits, dress shoes, and had yarmulkes pinned to their dark hair. They were overdressed for kick ball and completely unaware of it.
The thrill of playing in the street consumed them. Oh, to have one last hour of fun before daylight disappears and parents call you inside! A girl skipped high into the air, throwing an arm up with each leap. A tiny fellow who looked to be about 5 flung his arms straight out, tipped his head to the sky and ran blindly forward, screaming with delight. They were showing the world exactly what they felt, without any self-awareness.
I wanted to take a picture, but I had only my eyes to capture the moment. Playing in the street, I decided, is as universal a childhood experience as any. And tonight, I was a kid again.
February 9th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
I didn’t know kids still do play in the streets. It was defintely part of my childhood!
February 9th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
all we ever did was roam the streets and grassy fields. What a fun childhood it was…
February 10th, 2009 at 11:41 am
It is good that you did not take pictures.On Sabbath religious jews are not allowed to be photographed.We also wear festive clothing to the prayer service which is at sunset time and the kids might of been prepared to go there.