
I recall a time of hugs Welcomes by a handshake, a kiss. Now young children dutifully step back From the ‘danger’ of me, others, all. They only run towards their friends Pull up Short! Stop! Embarrassed glances at their shoes Shy peeks at each other. Laughter breaks the frightened spell. Chitter-chatter, chitter-chatter. Their magic world Reactivated. by Annika Perry