In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Ode to a Playground.”

When the news of your demise filtered through,

That the bigwigs had finally purchased you,

To plant their mega buck superstores and install new, expensive play toys,

To charge and enrich greedy pockets so much more,

I was dismayed, I was disheartened, through and through,

How dare they do such a thing to you!

Such appalling steps taken to deface,

Attempts to erase decades of a joyful place!

Of laughter of children that echoes in the heart,

Of scrapes and bruises,

Of hides and seek,

Of swings and slides to your utmost delight.

The birds squawk in harsh protest,

 No more crumbs from the little ones,

Even the trees weep in anguish from such assault,

The glee and joy of young scrambling ones,

Would they know no more!

Yet you live on in this grown child’s heart,

Always fond will your memories be,

My Polo Park, you were a treat to me,

Where friends were found,

Fostered and Flourished.

Maybe you have gone somewhere else to be,

Where you will gladden the hearts of other young ones.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha