Summertime

When I think of summer many things come to mind. I think of beaches, camp, and long hours of sleeping, a valued tradition amongst high school students. But most importantly, I think of my friends. When I think back, I can’t remember one single event from my childhood, but rather a combination of fond memories and fun times that I have had over the years. I remember all the times I have spent swimming in my friend’s pool, or the times I spent exploring the woods with my neighbors, or building forts and go carts. All of these are the pleasures and pastimes of my childhood. I can think back to playing tag with my friends, since I was always of heavier build, usually slower, and always got tagged. This led to me getting upset and going inside. Another fond memory is having squirt gun fights. I remember going out on a hot summer’s day, wreaking havoc on the neighborhood. I remember angry parents coming outside to yell at me for squirting their children, just changed to go to grandma’s; or something like that.

                  More recently I remember playing video games at my friend’s house after an afternoon dip in his pool. Going back to video games, Duck Hunt was and always will be the best video game ever. Duck Hunt was a fun game because it allowed little boys to play with guns and shoot stuff, which was always my fantasy. I don’t ever recall any of my friends owning Duck Hunt, but I know one of them must have had it, because I played it a lot. As I think back on all of my fond memories, it saddens me to realize that my early childhood has passed me by. I have accepted that I can no longer get the same thrill from exploring the woods, looking for the best place for a fort, having a squirt gun fight, or playing tag until the devilish late hour of nine o’ clock, when all children were promptly escorted inside. Sometimes, I wish that I could go back.