I Want To Play Poem by James Mallum

I want to play
Like I used to when a napkin was as much a pant
As a pair of jeans
When there was still twilight in the west
And who cares what the night may bring

I want to play
The piano in the church without missing a key
While the choir sings
And would not raise my headx
To see the late-comer enter

I want to play
The game of chess in the open parks
With such an abandon
And hope not to jump with a start
At the sound of an explosion

I want to play
A movie from the rentals
Without the blood and horror
That I watch for free
Daily on the city streets

I want to play
With the solemn words
That echo my thoughts
In this lonely playground
Like the rounds of a firing machinegun